Mayor Malik Evans and Assemblymember Jen Lunsford Host Domestic Violence Roundtable

Mayor Malik D. Evans and New York State Assemblymember Jen Lunsford hosted a roundtable discussion today to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The conversation brought together advocates, legal professionals, law enforcement, and government officials to share information and develop strategies to prevent and reduce the number of incidents of intimate partner violence and other family abuse.  

Despite an overall decline in crime, domestic violence persists, and today’s roundtable provided an opportunity to discuss prevention efforts, identify key stakeholders, address gaps in outreach, and promote early intervention and resources for survivors. Attendees also explored ways to increase public awareness of available resources to ensure that families in crisis can be connected to the support they need. 

“While we’ve made progress in reducing crime overall, domestic violence continues to demand our urgent and unwavering attention,” said Mayor Evans. “This roundtable was an important opportunity for us to come together to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and develop strategies that will lead to real, impactful change. I am grateful for the hard work of our nonprofit, state, and local partners to protect survivors and prevent domestic violence in all its forms.”   

"Last year, the Mayor and I convened a roundtable to discuss the process of what happens when a 911 call is made in a domestic violence case,” said Assemblymember Jen Lunsford. “We left that meeting knowing that the next step was a deep discussion of how we can coordinate our prevention efforts. And that's what we are doing here today. While crime is decreasing in nearly every sector, we continue to see domestic violence on the rise. Today's discussion is a step forward towards better coordination, efficiency, and support across agencies and organizations that serve survivors and their families."  

“At Willow, prevention is happening every day — through coordinated community response and education that reach people before crisis,” said Meaghan de Chateauvieux, President & CEO of Willow Domestic Violence Center. “When law enforcement, educators, healthcare providers, and advocates work together, we’re not just responding to violence, we’re interrupting it. Our goal is to make prevention a shared priority across systems – so every person in Monroe County knows how to recognize abuse, how to respond safely, and how to build relationships rooted in respect and hope.”   

"As we address domestic violence in our communities, we must recognize that survivors endure unspeakable trauma at the hands of those closest to them,” said Assemblymember Harry Bronson. “Too many incidents go unreported because victims lack the protections and resources they need to come forward safely. Comprehensive support for those suffering abuse is critical – from housing stability and employment protections to access to medical care and mental health services. When we work together across all sectors, we can ensure victims have the tools they need to break free from abuse, rebuild their independence, and begin healing.” 

“Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we have seen landmark investments in both prevention and response efforts,” said Jara Traina, General Counsel of New York’s Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence. “This includes the Survivors Access Financial Empowerment (SAFE funds) program, which is first-in-the-nation, flexible state funding for victims and survivors, public awareness and training programs around technology-facilitated gender-based violence, and discovery law reforms to help better protect survivors and hold those who harm accountable. Conversations like today’s are vital to helping us raise awareness and for gathering information to guide our work moving forward. Thank you, Assemblymember Lunsford and Mayor Evans, for inviting us to the table.” 

“I want to thank Mayor Evans and Assemblymember Lunsford for hosting today’s roundtable to shine a light on domestic violence and to share information and resources for survivors,” said Monroe County District Attorney Brian Green. “Every domestic violence case, every call for help, is a painful reminder of how many individuals continue to suffer in silence. I want to commend ADA Patrick Gallagher, Chief of the Domestic Violence Bureau, and his team of dedicated professionals for their tireless commitment to seeking justice, ensuring safety, and providing hope for survivors. To anyone who may be living in fear, you are not alone. Help is available. Please, if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call 911 or reach out to the Willow Domestic Violence 24-hour hotline. Your safety matters, and there are people ready to help you right now.”