Dear Friends and Neighbors, |
|
|
|
October marks National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to work together to provide additional resources and avenues of support for DV victims. No-one deserves to suffer the trauma of intimate partner abuse and we must eliminate the stigma attached to being a survivor.
Unfortunately, DV related incidents are notoriously under-reported and the COVID pandemic has worsened those statistics. However, we are doing everything we can to make sure that available resources reach those who truly need them.
My Domestic Violence Bureau investigates and prosecutes intimate partner violence, including harassment, assault, violations of orders of protection, as well as cases involving strangulation, stalking and attempted murder. The bureau works closely with the Queens Family Justice Center, Safe Horizon, Korean American Family Services Center, and other non-profit organizations to ensure that victims are connected to safety planning and counseling services, regardless of their immigration status.
If you or someone you know is a victim, call 718.286.4410 for help, day or night. My office and our partner providers can help you obtain services and reclaim your life.
In addition, our Elder Abuse Project provides services for victims of domestic violence who are 60 years or older. Contact 718.286.6562 or ElderAbuse@queensda.org for assistance. Don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help.
|
|
|
|
In Friendship,
Melinda Katz
Queens District Attorney
|
|
|
|
-
Queens man indicted on murder charges for deadly stabbing of FDNY EMS worker in Astoria
-
Two defendants plead guilty to sex trafficking minor victims at Jamaica Hotel
-
Defendant indicted on attempted murder charges in brutal attack on woman inside Howard Beach subway station
-
Grand jury indicts man for hate crime attack on Muslim woman
|
|
|
|
Public Safety Town Hall at Queens North |
|
|
|
Ensuring public safety is of the outmost importance to my administration, and it is a mission that is shared by Mayor Eric Adams, the NYPD, and local leaders that represent the great borough of Queens.
Earlier this week, I joined the Mayor and NYPD Patrol Borough Queens North for a Public Safety Community Discussion in Forest Hills to discuss the strategies we are undertaking in response to crime. I thank all the residents who came out and expressed their concerns.
|
|
|
|
As part of our regular call for help, we are asking for any information regarding the 2009 murder of Andre Saunders, found shot to death in South Jamaica.
Help us bring justice on behalf of the victim and his loved ones. If you have any details to report, I urge you to contact NYPD Crimestoppers. All tips are confidential and can be submitted anonymously!
|
|
|
|
Human Trafficking Awareness |
|
|
|
My Human Trafficking Bureau Chief and I joined the Women's Club of Forest Hills recently for their monthly meeting, focused on the issue of sex and labor trafficking. Unfortunately, Queens is a prime geographical location for those vulnerable to trafficking, and desirable to traffickers.
However, my office is committed to combatting this criminal enterprise. Since the Bureau's inception, we have obtained 31 indictments charging 51 defendants with crimes involving trafficking, while connecting survivors to meaningful services. We will continue to raise awareness, engage in public education, and hold perpetrators accountable until we eradicate Queens of this degrading industry.
|
|
|
|
In Memory of A Beloved Community Member |
|
|
|
Rita Persaud was a vibrant individual with a profound influence on our youth. Her life was cut tragically short on Christmas Eve of 2020 but I am proud of the way her community has pulled together in honoring her memory and legacy.
It was a pleasure joining Council Member Joann Ariola, community leader Romeo Hitlall and many others in co-naming the intersection of 92nd Street and 103rd Avenue in Ozone Park as "Auntie Rita Way."
May her memory forever remain a blessing.
|
|
|
|
Queens Civic Congress Luncheon |
|
|
|
The Queens Civic Congress was founded in 1997 to provide an important forum for civic associations and neighborhood organizations to stay informed on a full spectrum of issues affecting their communities.
You cannot fully serve the people you represent without going out and speaking directly to members of the public. I thank President Kevin Forrestal for inviting me to speak during the QCC's Biennial Luncheon.
|
|
|
|
This Saturday, October 8th, we are partnering with the Animal Care Centers of NYC for a special Pet Adoption Event.
Where: Juniper Valley Park
When: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Come by and help rescue animals find their forever home!
|
|
|
|
|
|
