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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Sheriff's Seal

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office joins law enforcement agencies nationwide in the October observance of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This year marks the 28th commemoration of NDVAM, a time for law enforcement agencies, victim-assistance organizations, and community leaders to work jointly in generating greater public awareness about domestic violence, prevention strategies, and effective responses for victims.

Domestic violence is a problem of enormous prevalence and impact not just in New York State, but across the nation. Here in Orleans County last year, there were over 300 domestic incidents reported. Statistically however, that number represents only about 10 percent of the incidents that actually occurred, since an estimated 90 percent of all domestic incidents go unreported.

Eliminating domestic violence requires collaborative prevention and response efforts from criminal-justice professionals, victims’ service providers, prosecutors, health-care professionals, educators, and elected officials, among others.

In 1994, Congress passed the Violence Against Women Act. This enhanced the ability of New York State to enact legislation that enables law enforcement to effectively respond to crimes of domestic violence. It also cleared the way for establishment of mandatory arrest policies by law enforcement agencies.

In addition to assistance provided by our court and legal systems and victims’ service providers, domestic violence victims in Orleans County have access to potentially life-saving information through the New York Sheriffs’ Victim Hotline, VINE (Victim Information & Notification Everyday). This service allows crime victims and other concerned citizens to track the custody status of their offenders and register to be notified by phone or e-mail in the event of a release or transfer to a State Correctional Facility. VINE is available 24-7 through a toll-free number (1-800-VINE-4-NY) or online at www.vinelink.com.

Sheriff Scott Hess says, “Victims of domestic violence often need the kind of timely information that the New York Sheriffs’ Victim Hotline provides. The New York Sheriffs’ Victim Hotline provides custody information in real time, giving registered crime victims critical information when they need it most. This access empowers domestic-violence victims to gain a greater degree of control in their lives and to make informed decisions about their safety.”

Domestic Violence Awareness Month was established in 1987 to promote increased rights and services for domestic violence victims; to educate the public about the crisis of domestic violence and the prevalence of this epidemic in all of our lives; and to encourage involvement and support from our communities for domestic-violence victims and those who serve them.

Here in Orleans County, this month-long observance will be highlighted by the following:
• A Proclamation by the Orleans County Legislature.
• The County Courthouse dome will once again be illuminated in purple and
purple ribbons will adorn the trees on the courthouse lawn.
• Wed., Oct. 15, 2014, has been designated as Dress in Purple Day.

The purple theme is part of the statewide “Shine the Light on Domestic Violence” campaign, which is spearheaded by the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV). The campaign encourages public, private, and non-profit entities to raise awareness of the issue by embracing the color Purple. Additional information about the state’s campaign can be found at www.opdv.state.ny.us.

If you believe you have been the victim of domestic violence, please call your local law-enforcement agency, or the Orleans County Domestic Violence Program at 585-589-3159 or the PathStone Domestic Violence Service at 585-589-8733. You may also report domestic violence to the NYS Domestic Violence Hotline toll-free at 1-800-942-6906.

Scott D. Hess
Sheriff of Orleans County

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