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November 2020
News & Updates
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LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR |
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Dear Friends,
November is often the time of year for celebrating the Fall harvest and other blessings in our lives. In 2020, however, some may find it challenging to honor seasonal traditions as we normally might.
No matter what your plans are this month, there is one tradition that we can all participate in. We can take a few moments to acknowledge and give thanks to domestic violence advocates for their dedication and commitment to serving survivors of domestic violence, particularly since the Pandemic began.
While we will not know the full impact of COVID-19 on the incidence of domestic violence for some time, it is likely that it will be similar to past natural disasters such as Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Katrina when domestic violence increased significantly. We also know that the needs of DV survivors are becoming more extensive and complicated than ever before.
Since the onset of the pandemic, advocates across the state of New York have been providing essential services, shelter, and support for thousands of survivors of domestic violence. This work has occurred within the midst of limitations with technology, constraints due to isolation/quarantine requirements, and budgets that had to be re-directed for items such as personal protective equipment for staff and survivors.
Here at NYSCADV, we recognize that advocacy is incredibly difficult and demanding work. And, we know advocates are often risking their own health and wellbeing to help survivors in their communities.
For these and so many other reasons, there is no better time to collectively recognize and thank domestic violence advocates for their sacrifices and dedication. This month, we ask that you join us in expressing your heartfelt thanks as well.
All the best,
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Connie Neal
Executive Director
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Domestic violence, sexual violence, and victims of crime programs, are at particular risk for organizational trauma caused by the empathic and intense nature of our work. Often, our organizational culture adds to the intensity, through the demands of our workload and the way we communicate with one another through formal and informal structures. The intensity of our organizational culture, and the passion and dedication which advocates bring to the work, is part of our strength, but it also creates increased vulnerability to organizational trauma.
There are things we can do to build our resilience against organizational trauma and manage it when it occurs. A strong core identity, organizational esteem, facilitating structures and processes, hopeful and energetic leadership, and positive connection to peer agencies can all help to protect an organization.”
To that end, NYSCADV has compiled some resources around self-care, well-being, and resilience in response to advocates’ need for support during these challenging times. Compiled below is an upcoming webinar by NYSCASA, available recorded webinars, toolkits, and additional resources to help advocates take care of themselves and to support the work that they are doing. This list is by no means exhaustive and we welcome your input if you have been utilizing resources that you have found successfully promote a culture of self-care and community care in your workplaces. Click here to access the self-care toolkit.
Please feel free to send resources to us at so that we may grow this collection and share among the domestic violence community.
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NYSCADV’s 6th Annual Prevention Summit goes Virtual!
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Please join the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence for our 6th Annual New York State Domestic Violence Prevention Summit as we continue to explore effective approaches to preventing intimate partner violence before it begins.
This year we are offering summit workshops in a virtual format. Workshop sessions will focus on best practices for prevention strategies across the spectrum of race, gender identity and sexual orientation with activities that can be implemented across the lifespan.
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The Governor signed several domestic violence related bills into law during October Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Please contact NYSCADV’s policy team at policy@nyscadv.org if you have questions or would like additional information:
CHAPTER 203 (A7991A Simotas/S6678A Salazar): Requires the state Office of Professional Medical Conduct to post information on its website about patients' reporting rights regarding professional misconduct involving sexual harassment and assault. Also requires doctors’ offices to post signage directing their patients to the Office of Professional Medical Conduct's website for information about their rights and how to report professional misconduct. Signed by the Governor on October 7, 2020. Effective immediately.
CHAPTER 204 (A8023 Williams/S6665 Benjamin): Adds the Commissioner of the state Homes and Community Renewal Agency to the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence’s Domestic Violence (OPDV) Advisory Council. Also repeals an outdated section of OPDV’s enabling statute pertaining to a 1990s pilot program focused on abusive partner interventions and expands OPDV’s statutory responsibilities to include “promoting abusive partner intervention.” Signed by the Governor on October 7, 2020. Effective immediately.
CHAPTER 233 (A10307 Cruz/S5443 Persaud): Allows victims to obtain up to $2500 of OVS compensation for workplace transportation expenses as a result of physical injuries sustained during a crime. Signed by the Governor on October 7, 2020. Effective April 5, 2021.
CHAPTER 236 (A9525 Buchwald/S6569 Jackson): In housing cases, permits a complainant the option of appealing a final order or bringing a de novo action in court after dismissal for lack of probable cause or jurisdiction. Signed by the Governor on October 7, 2020. Effective January 5, 2021.
CHAPTER 249 (A10628 Hyndman/S8598 Parker): Designates June nineteenth, known as “Juneteenth” as a public holiday. Acknowledges the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, TX, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation marking the effective end of slavery in the United States. Signed by the Governor on October 14, 2020. Effective immediately.
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OCTOBER DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH RECAP |
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October Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) looked very different this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, that didn't stop us or domestic violence programs across NYS from creating virtual awareness and fundraising events that everyone can participate in safely from the comfort of their own homes. NYSCADV and domestic violence programs focused raising awareness, speaking up, and engaging communities. And it was a great virtual success as people across New York State turned up for the virtual events and provided support to domestic violence programs!
NYSCADV hosted its first ever Facebook Live to hold a conversation about domestic violence. NYSCADV raised awareness about domestic violence and provided some critical information on challenges, needs, and achievements in 2020. During the Facebook Live, NYSCADV discussed domestic violence awareness month and NYSCADV's role in addressing domestic violence in New York State. To watch the recording, click here.
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In keeping with our theme of “Your Vote is your Voice” for this year’s DVAM and to remind us all that the Personal is Political, NYSCADV partnered with the Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Rochester’s Center Stage Theatre, to sponsor a virtual performance of Gloria: A Life. The play was followed by a facilitated discussion which included our very own Director of Prevention, Lorien Castelle. The play was wonderful, the cast was talented, and the discussion was lively and insightful! Click here for more information on the JCC and Gloria: A Life.
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For DVAM, NYSCADV also hosted its first ever Pumpkin Decorating Contest which received an enthusiastic response across all age groups! It was a safe way for families to have fun and celebrate Halloween while supporting NYSCADV. We had many wonderful entries in the age-group pumpkin categories and the special Purple Pumpkin category. Click here to see the winners and all the other creative entries.
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General Resources
Webinar Recordings
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