|
A Message from the District Attorney...
Dear Friends and Neighbors:
As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I want to take a moment to share the harrowing details of a case recently indicted by my Special Prosecutions Division – one that serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating reality of domestic violence.
Julio Murillo, a 40-year-old Yonkers resident, allegedly went to a location in Tarrytown where his ex-girlfriend was residing this past July in an attempt to reconcile their relationship.
When his efforts were unsuccessful, the defendant allegedly used a box cutter to slash the victim’s face, thigh, and hand – a vicious attack that left her with permanent scarring, nerve damage, and limited mobility.
While we work year-round to advocate for survivors and hold offenders accountable, Domestic Violence Awareness Month each October allows us to shine a light on the profound impact of this cruel and pervasive problem.
It provides an opportunity to educate our community about patterns of abuse and how to recognize them, while empowering others to speak out and come forward – all in the hope of breaking the cycle of violence.
And most importantly, this annual observance allows us all to come together and send a clear message to every survivor: you are not alone, and we are here for you.
No one should ever live in fear for their physical safety or emotional wellbeing, whether during a relationship or after it ends. But the troubling truth is that domestic violence exists in every community and can happen in any relationship.
It does not discriminate based on age, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or ethnicity, and it can take many forms beyond physical violence, including emotional, psychological, verbal and financial abuse, as well as coercive control, threats and intimidation.
Recognizing these signs can be the first step toward getting help or being there for someone who needs it with compassion and without judgment.
And when that difficult moment comes when someone is ready to report the abuse, seek help and begin the journey toward a safer future, my Domestic Violence Bureau will be there.
Our specially trained prosecutors and domestic violence aides will provide support, secure orders of protection, connect survivors with financial assistance, shelter and counseling services, help them navigate the criminal justice process, and pursue justice.
These dedicated professionals also travel throughout Westchester County and across New York State to ensure law enforcement agencies are trained to respond to domestic violence incidents with a trauma-informed approach.
My office may play a significant role in combating domestic violence, but we all have a responsibility to remain vigilant and refuse to let abuse that happens behind closed doors remain in the shadows.
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting survivors, I’m pleased to announce that our 2nd Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month Bake Sale raised nearly $5,700 -- and counting! That's almost double what we raised last year.
All proceeds will be donated to New Dawn Family Resource Center in North Salem, a nonprofit organization that provides critical support and resources to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence and trauma.
Thank you to everyone who baked, donated, volunteered and helped make this meaningful contribution possible. Your generosity has strengthened survivors' access to the care and services they need throughout Westchester County
| 
