New York, NY – Jun 4, 2021: Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas speaks as Kirsten Gillibrand, Grace Meng, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and others advocate for money to upgrade Obstetrical facility at Elmhurst hospital. (Shutterstock)

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Disturbingly, domestic violence remains a pervasive issue in New York, including here in Queens. The most recent police data on domestic violence show that over 8,000 Queens residents reported incidents of domestic violence in 2021, and these data only capture cases reported to police. It’s imperative that we address root causes to prevent domestic violence and provide resources and support to those who do experience it.

Domestic violence broadly encompasses intimate partner violence, family violence, elder abuse, sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking. According to the New York City Department of Social Services, domestic violence and abuse against an intimate partner, family member, or someone else in the home can look like: hitting, slapping, kicking, or any other kind of physical violence; forcing sex or other sex acts; threatening violence; insulting and criticizing; and stalking, obsessively checking-up on, or otherwise trying to control behavior. If you or someone you know is experiencing this kind of violence or abuse from an intimate partner, family member, or someone else in the home, please call New York City’s 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-621-HOPE.

New York City and State agencies and the community-based organizations they partner with provide myriad services to survivors of domestic violence and their children, including temporary housing, emergency shelter, supportive services, and legal services. All programs offer safe environments as well as counseling, advocacy, and referral services. One such program is the City’s Family Justice Centers (FJCs), which provide free and confidential assistance, either in person or over the phone, to anyone experiencing domestic or gender-based violence. All are welcome regardless of language, income, gender identity, or immigration status. Interpretation services are available at every FJC, and locations are wheelchair accessible. The NYC Family Justice Center, Queens phone number is 718-575-4545.

Editor’s Note: Are you an immigrant in an abusive relationship? Regardless of immigration or citizenship status — you may be eligible for immigration-related protections. Get a confidential legal consultation, call 855-768-8845.

  domestic violence, NYC, VAWA