Story by: Lisa Spitz
Domestic violence reports are on the rise and there is new help available in New York.
According to NY State, reports are up 30-percent in April compared to last year. With people spending more time at home due to COVID-19 restrictions, people in New York in need of help can text a hotline or go to a confidential online site.
People looking for help can text 844-997-2121 or chat with a professional on the new confidential website. The text and online services will be staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with experts in the area of domestic violence. Governor Cuomo says the new text program and confidential online service will make it easier for victims in isolation to contact the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and get the help they need.
“New Yorkers are living through an unimaginably stressful period and we’re seeing signs that domestic violence is on the rise as victims are stuck at home with their abusers and unable to access the help they need,” Governor Cuomo said. “We’ve been working with state agencies to help address this issue and provide more resources, and this new text program and confidential online service will help make it easier for victims to get the help they need and get out of potentially dangerous situations.”
State Police say domestic violence incident calls were up 15-percent in March compared to last year.
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