April 23, 2021

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

National Crime Victims' Rights Week has been commemorated by this office for the past 14 years. It is a time to inform members of the public of our commitment to serve all victims of crime, as well as to acknowledge the achievements in victim services and allied professions, and to remember the lives we have lost to violence. During this week, I was proud to host a panel of legal experts, victims advocates, and partner service providers for a discussion on the many resources available for those experiencing violence in Queens County. The panel also discussed educational opportunities to combat crime and highlighted support services we provide to help survivors and surviving families heal after a tragedy. You may watch the webinar in full by clicking here. Below is a list of providers that I urge you to contact if you are ever in need. Legal experts at the Queens District Attorney's Office: Special Victims Bureau: SpecialVictims@queensda.org or 718.286.6505 Human Trafficking Bureau: HumanTrafficking@queensda.org or 718.286.6548 Hate Crimes Bureau: HateCrimes@queensda.org or 718.286.7010 Cold Case Unit (part of the Homicide Bureau): Homicide@queensda.org or call 718.286.5896 Domestic Violence 24/7 hotline: 718-286-4410 Elder Abuse Project: 718-286-6562 Partner service providers: Mount Sinai SAVI (Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention) Victim Services Hotline: 212-577-7777 Safe Horizon Hotline: 1-800-621-hope Carolyn Dixon of Where Do We Go From Here Inc: 917 935-5646 Parents of Murdered Children Inc., Queens Chapter: 425-436-6363; access code 8829932 Korean American Family Service Center: Contact@kafsc.org or 718.460.3800 If you or someone you know has been a victim of a crime, you have the right to seek services and you have the right to seek justice, regardless of immigration status. Please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help.

In Friendship, Melinda Katz Queens District Attorney

In The Courts

Grand jury indicts Queens man for murder in killing of young mother hit by stray bullet in Astoria last month Fight between two shelter residents ends with one dead and the other charged with murder; good Samaritan injured trying to break up brawl

Safe Summer NYC

As we move forward to re-open our great City, one of our top priorities must be putting an end to the scourge of gun violence. The Mayor’s Safe Summer NYC Plan puts forth a comprehensive, community-centered approach for a safe summer – and beyond – in my borough and throughout New York. Effective strategies for protecting our communities must be multi-faceted and the Mayor has put forth a wide-ranging plan that calls for investing in our communities and our young people with Cure Violence and other programs that have proven to be effective in reducing crime and violence. The safest borough is one where we work with our young people to make sure they never become part of the criminal justice system. You may view the "Safe Summer NYC Plan" by clicking here and read my full statement in support of this plan here.

Justice and Accountability

This week marked a momentous verdict in the murder trial of George Floyd, whose death at the hands of a police officer in Minnesota last year sparked a national conversation on policing in this country. The day after the verdict, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards organized an important solidarity rally. I stood alongside Queens elected officials in expressing gratitude to the jury for speaking so clearly to justice and accountability. Police accountability creates an environment of trust. It makes clear that every community, every life has equal value under the eyes of the law. It allows the countless police officers who serve with integrity and empathy to build better relationships and keep neighborhoods safe.    As the District Attorney of Queens County, I am dedicated to rebuilding the trust that is so sorely tested in our communities. It is my fervent hope that this verdict is a step towards positive and systemic change.

Information Needed

As part of our regular call for help, we are asking for any information regarding the death of Stevie Bates, who was last seen inside the Port Authority Bus Terminal on April 28, 2012. Her remains were found in Ridgewood, Queens in September 2020. If you have any information, please contact NYPD Crimestoppers. All tips are confidential!

Addressing Public Safety Concerns

Council member Robert Holden hosted a Public Safety Town Hall to address the concerns of constituents regarding public safety in the neighborhoods of Woodside, Woodhaven, Ridgewood, Middle Village, Maspeth, and Glendale. I was able to discuss the work of this office over the past year to go after the drivers of crime in Queens County by prosecuting gun runners, sponsoring gun "buy-back" events, as well as creating programs and outreach services for vulnerable youth populations within our borough.

Queens Community Violence Prevention Project

As a reminder, the deadline for applications for proposals to implement the Queens Community Violence Prevention Project is May 10th, 2021 by 4pm EST. The goals are to increase community engagement in anti-gun violence activities and initiatives, strengthen community-led responses to violent incidents, develop better connections to support services, enhance positive relations with the NYPD and ultimately reduce violent crime. I urge all those who are interested to visit https://queensda.org/special-initiatives/ for additional information and application download.