NYS ranks #3 in the nation… and that’s not good

Jun 16, 2015 | Shine a Light

Census2014This is the 9th consecutive year that NNEDV the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) has provided a one-day snapshot of domestic violence needs and services across the country.
 
Here’s the link to the  2014 National Domestic Violence Counts Report. Connie Neal of the NYS Coalition Against Domestic Violence summed up some of the most salient points relating to domestic violence services in New York State:
 

“Once again, New York State ranks #3 in the country regarding ‘Total People Served’ as well as ‘Unmet Requests for Services’. Of the Unmet Requests for Services, the most frequently requested need in our state that could not be addressed was for housing.

The Census also indicated that domestic violence programs in New York simply do not have the resources that they need to maintain advocates, and respond to critical requests for domestic violence services.”

 

Here’s some info on the scope of services provided across the state. About 3/4 of the 96 providers across the state responded to the survey. On this one day alone they provided:

  • Emergency shelter and transitional housing for 2,230 individuals (1,242 children and 988 adults)
  • 1,854 non residential services such as counseling and legal advocacy
  • 1,045 hotline calls
  • 1,041 individuals with prevention education programs (52 training programs total)

And here’s what we couldn’t do:

 

There were 605 unmet requests for services (40% of these were for housing).

 

Why couldn’t we meet these needs?

         Cause of Unmet Requests for Help

 

  • 29% reported reduced government funding.
  • 13% reported not enough staff
  • 8% reported cuts from private funding sources.
  • 8% reported reduced individual donations.

 

Why is this important?

Because without the funds for essential services to help survivors of domestic violence, this mom who fled abuse in the night and had no supports to help her, wouldn’t  months later transition with her son from shelter into their own apartment free of abuse,

“[The staff at Wellspring] supported me and helped me when I was going through a very tough moment in my life. They were there for me when I needed someone to talk, to advise me how to get help, supporting me during the court days.
The staff were also always nice and helpful with my son. They made our stay as easy as possible. They supported us with summer camp for day care when I could not afford it so I could keep working.”