Although New York has broadened the services made available to victims of Domestic Violence since 1996, many victims are not taking full advantage of them.   The New York State Office of Prevention of Domestic Violence and New York City Office to Combat Domestic Violence has been instrumental in implementing some very vital services to assist domestic violence victims and their families with everything from shelter to counselling to financial assistance.  These services have revised the way the police respond to domestic violence victims, the locations where referrals services are offered and even broadened eligibility of services.  Of course these improvements could not have been done if it were not for the legislature, the judiciary and law enforcement, but the states’ agencies on domestic violence has been critical in actually getting the services the victims. 

          Although there have been milestones in implementation there are some very important things that many do not know exist.   Here is a list of some of the most important:

1.     The police are encouraged to make follow up visits to the victim and their family, ensuring that there are no further incidents of harm, threat or injury; that service referrals were made and to reassure the family.

2.     Victims are entitled to police protection regardless of immigration status, they are prohibited from inquiring about immigration status when responding to a domestic violence call.

3.     Same sex couples and New York City domestic partners are included in NYPD’s definition of “family” or “household” and therefore, are entitled to the same treatment & services under domestic violence.

4.     Victims can monitor their abuser’s release from jail by registering with the Victim Information & Notification Everyday (”VINE”) by calling 888-VINE4NY and setting up a password to receive automated notifications.

5.     The Human Resources Administration has a program called Alternative to Shelter (”ATS”) which allows victims, who have a valid Order of Protection, to safely stay in their homes with a state-of-the-art security system that is directly linked to the NYPD.

6.     Although the Section 8 and public housing priorities are no longer available for homeless victims, there is a new rental assistance program called Housing Stability Plus, offered by the Department of Homeless Services.   The program offers market rate rental supplements to homeless families who leave the homeless shelter and are ready for permanent housing. 

7.     New York State’s Crime Victims Board may compensate victims for lost wages, moving expenses, essential personal property and medical/counselling services.   All police stations are encouraged to keep the applications on hand.

8.     Family Court and Supreme Court (including the new IDV courts) may make an Order of Protection as part of a child custody and child support order.  Conversely, the judge can make an order of child support as part of an Order of Protection.

9.     A valid out-of-state Order of Protection, even a temporary Order of Protection, is enforceable in New York Criminal Court and Supreme Court, as part of a divorce, legal separation or annulment.  Although registering the Order of Protection is not required, it should be registered in the NYS registry to ensure widespread alert.

10.     A victim may apply to the Social Security Administration for a new social security number as long as they can prove that they are in danger if their identity and/or location are obtainable.  The SSA requires proof of domestic violence, proof of immigration status and the old social security number.

IF YOU ARE A VICTIM, YOU SHOULD BE PERSISTENT IN SEEKING SERVICES FROM POLICE, THE COURTS, HOSPITAL/MEDICAL PROVIDERS, CLERGY, AGENCIES, ETC. DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED.  THERE MAY BE SOME CHALLENGES BUT THERE ARE AN ABUNDANT OF PROVIDERS WILLING TO HELP.