Monday, October 3, 2022, Rochester, N.Y. – Congressman Joe Morelle, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, with support from Assemblywoman Sarah Clark and State Senator Samra Brouk, issued a joint proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
“The last several years have brought to light the devastating consequences domestic violence has on families nationally and right here in Rochester,” said Toi Walker-Smith, Chair of the Rochester/Monroe County Domestic Violence Consortium and Director of Housing Services for Willow Center. “Monroe County has seen a drastic increase in the need for programs and services, particularly when it comes to orders of protection, counseling, and both emergency and sustainable housing for survivors of domestic violence.”
Willow Domestic Violence Center’s President and CEO Meaghan de Chateauvieux and the Rochester/Monroe County Domestic Violence Consortium released the 2021 Monroe County Domestic Violence Report to the Community. These numbers reflect from January 1 through December 31, 2021.
The report includes the following data:
- 4,836 reports of domestic violence made last year in Monroe County – reports by law enforcement agencies in 4 categories: aggravated assault, simple assault, sex offense and order of protection violation.
- 45,410 calls were made to Monroe County 9-1-1 dispatch last year that were classified as domestic disputes
- 5 domestic violence homicides in Monroe County last year; 3 in the City of Rochester.
- Monroe County rates of domestic violence are 1.6 times the statewide rate, excluding NYC.
- The city of Rochester rates are 3.6 times the statewide rate.
- 3,722 petitions for orders of protection were filed in Family Court, above the 10-year average of 3,300, with 3,776 temporary orders of protection granted. Note: one petition may result in multiple temporary orders.
- Willow Center’s 24/7 Hotline had 5,939 calls – these calls are increasing in severity and the survivor is often in an active abuse situation
“While October is the month designated for Domestic Violence Awareness, Willow takes the role of advocates and awareness builders seriously, year-round. We know domestic violence thrives in silence, hidden away behind closed and locked doors. This October, we encourage our community to join us in breaking the silence and amplifying hope for survivors in our community,” said Meaghan de Chateauvieux, President and CEO for Willow Domestic Violence Center.
“As we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it is critical we come together as one community to empower survivors and reflect on the severe consequences of domestic violence,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Now, with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, women are in even more danger. This is a grave moment in time for the future of women’s rights, and Domestic Violence Awareness Month should be a call to action for all of us. I’m grateful to Willow for their tireless commitment to helping survivors and I look forward to our continued work together to break the cycle of abuse.”
Anyone needing support is encouraged to please call Willow Center’s 24/7 Hotline at (585) 222-SAFE (7233) or by text at 348-SAFE. For information about October events to raise awareness and funds to support services for survivors, visit https://willowcenterny.org/
ABOUT WILLOW CENTER
Founded in 1979, Willow Domestic Violence Center is the only New York State certified provider of residential domestic violence services in Monroe County. Willow has supported survivors of abuse for over 40 years, reaching nearly 15,000 people each year in the Greater Rochester region. Willow provides a full continuum of free and confidential services, without judgement, including a 24/7 Hotline, emergency shelter, counseling, mobile advocacy, legal services, court accompaniment, preventive education and training programs. Call 585-222-SAFE (7233) or text 585-348-SAFE (7233).
ABOUT ROCHESTER/MONROE COUNTY (DVC)
The Rochester/Monroe County Domestic Violence Consortium is a unified organization leading an inclusive, collaborative community response to domestic violence. The Consortium promotes safety for victims, survivors and their families; ensures offender accountability; and fosters community awareness.
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