Citywide Outreach Effort to Raise Community Awareness and Involvement
\nOne Police Plaza, NY\u2013 Speaker Christine C. Quinn, New York City Police Department Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly, Mayor\u2019s Office to Combat Domestic Violence Commissioner, Yolanda B. Jimenez, George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company and Council Members gathered today to unveil a public service campaign that will focus on increasing reporting of domestic violence. \u2018Don\u2019t Mind Your Own Business\u2019 was a concept developed, designed and produced by NYC & Company which will appear at bus shelters, phone kiosks and news stand ads throughout the 5 boroughs. The goal is by getting the community involved in reporting domestic violence, law enforcement can better respond to such incidents.<\/p>\n
\u201cDomestic violence leaves its mark long after its physical scars have faded. Violence from someone you love and may rely on for support makes it that much harder to report abuse,\u201d said Speaker Christine C. Quinn. \u201cThat\u2019s why we\u2019re asking all New Yorkers to come out of the shadows and \u2018Don\u2019t Mind Your Own Business\u2019,\u2019 if they witness or know of domestic violence happening in their community. New Yorkers must know there are services they can turn to and seek help. I want to thank the NYPD, NYC & Company and my colleagues for working together to come up with this public service announcement to protect and proactively help victims of domestic violence.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSilence is an accomplice of domestic violence,\u201d said Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly. \u201cThat\u2019s why people should heed the message of this campaign, \u2018Don\u2019t mind your own business.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
According to the Mayor\u2019s Office to Combat Domestic Violence, family violence related deaths have been steadily increasing from 63 in 2009, 77 in 2010 and 92 in 2011. The majority of these cases had no known prior police contact and\/or no current order of protection.<\/p>\n
NYPD response to domestic violence incidents have been increasing as well:<\/p>\n
234,988 (more than 600\/day) in 2008
\n250,349 (more than 650\/day) in 2009
\n249,440 (more than 680\/day) in 2010
\n257,813 (more than 700\/day) in 2011<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately all too often when we read about a domestic violence homicide, we also read that a neighbor, friend, or family member suspected or knew of the abuse,\u201d said Yolanda B. Jimenez Commissioner of the Mayor\u2019s Office to Combat Domestic Violence. \u201cNew Yorkers should call 911 if they suspect that someone they know is being abused. The City has one-stop Family Justice Centers that can offer help to domestic violence victims.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNYC & Company is proud to support the City’s awareness campaign and do its part to encourage all New Yorkers to speak up and report cases of domestic violence,\u201d said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company. \u201cStarting today, advertisements for the campaign will be displayed on bus shelters, phone kiosks and newsstands across the five boroughs in English, Spanish, and Russian. Our goal is to support the City Council’s and the Police Department’s efforts to share this important message with as many residents as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI am proud to have been a part of the development of this PSA because it emphasizes that we must develop a sense of shared community responsibility for ending domestic violence,\u201d stated Council Member Ferreras. \u201cWe must continue to support victims of domestic violence with services and assistance so that they feel they can turn to law enforcement for help.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOne call to 911 can save a life. Domestic violence is ignored all too often \u2013 if you see or hear something, be sure to trust your instincts and call police,\u201d stated Council Member Peter F. Vallone, Jr.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpeaking up against domestic violence can save lives,\u201d said Council Member Jessica Lappin. \u201cThis campaign will remind New Yorkers that they should never be silent about abuse.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOver the years, we have made great strides in combatting domestic violence, but there is more work to be done,\u201d said Council Member Annabel Palma of the Bronx. \u201cThe launch of this citywide campaign signals that we in government take the issue seriously. I hope that all New Yorkers will join us in standing up and speaking out on behalf of domestic violence victims.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cDomestic Violence happens behind closed doors but it affects our children, our families, neighbors and communities,\u201d said Council Member Gale A. Brewer. \u201cIf you hear or see something, say something. You may save a life! Domestic Violence is a problem that impacts New Yorkers in all walks of life, and I applaud Speaker Quinn and Commissioner Kelly for this initiative and their support in the fight against domestic violence.”<\/p>\n
Last year, the city announced a plan that will focus on broadening awareness about domestic violence, and how everyone can take an active part in combating it. Throughout the year workplace training, community outreach and screening trainings were held in collaboration with the City Council, city agencies and domestic violence service providers.<\/p>\n
About NYC & Company:<\/p>\n
NYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization, for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide. For the official source on all there is to see and do in New York City, go to nycgo.com.<\/p>\n
To find more information on how to recognize domestic violence and how to get help, visit: www.council.nyc.gov <\/p>\n
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Citywide Outreach Effort to Raise Community Awareness and Involvement
\nOne Police Plaza, NY\u2013 Speaker Christine C. Quinn, New York City Police Department Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly, Mayor\u2019s Office to Combat Domestic Violence Commissioner, Yolanda B. Jimenez, George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company and Council Members gathered today to unveil a public service campaign that will focus on increasing reporting of domestic violence.<\/p>\n
…<\/p>\n