Declared Domestic Violence in the Bronx a Public Health Emergency
Bronx, NY – In recognition of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson hosted a “31 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence,” campaign with events, social media content, and trainings designed to educate the public and bring visibility to the issue of Domestic Violence in the Bronx. In partnership with her Domestic Violence Advisory Council, Montefiore Einstein, Safe Horizon, elected officials, survivors, the DiVA Coalition, and other community organizations and nonprofits, Borough President Gibson also declared Domestic Violence in the Bronx a public health crisis as data shows the county leading in intimate partner homicides and in complaint calls to the NYPD. In 2022, out of the top 10 Precincts receiving Domestic Violence complaints citywide, 7 were in the Bronx. NYPD statistics also show a nearly 59% increase in domestic violence offenders from 2021 to 2022 in the Bronx. More than half of the Bronx’s 12 Precincts had over 1,000 reported Domestic Violence Offenders with the 47th Precinct highest at 3,205, followed by the 43rd Precinct at 3,130. and the 44th Precinct at 2,607.
LIST OF BOROUGH PRESIDENT VANESSA GIBSON’S “31 DAYS OF ACTION AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE,” EVENTS BEGINNING WITH THE KICK-OFF ON 10/2/2023:
10/2/2023 – Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson Announces, “31 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence,” During Press Conference Recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the Bronx.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson joined by elected officials, advocates, survivors, the DiVA Coalition, and her Domestic Violence Advisory Council, declared Domestic Violence a public health crisis in the borough of the Bronx and unveiled her “31 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence Awareness,” campaign. This initiative highlighted the critical work of Bronx-based organizations and NYC agencies that serve to protect, counsel, educate, and support survivors, families, and enforce policy to ensure Bronx residents are equipped with the resources to support their loved ones who might be experiencing DV. Sadly, domestic, intimate partner, and other family homicides are more likely to occur in the Bronx compared to any other borough. For photos, please click here.
10/7/2023 – 6th Annual 5K RUN/WALK/ROLL To End Domestic Violence
Borough President Gibson joined Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark and the New York Yankees for the 6th Annual Domestic Violence 5K RUN/WALK/ROLL to End Domestic Violence at Lou Gehrig Plaza located at 161st Street and the Grand Concourse. There, victims shared stories of strength and survival before taking to the Grand Concourse with other participants to begin the course. For photos, please click here.
10/18/2023 – Domestic Violence Intervention Training
Borough President Gibson hosted a Domestic Violence Intervention Training workshop in partnership with the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence, the New York Legal Assistance Group and the NYPD, in the Rotunda of Bronx Borough Hall located at 851 Grand Concourse. There, visitors and guests paid tribute to the many victims who lost their lives to domestic violence while making a pledge to join the fight to end domestic and gender-based violence. Not On My Watch, We All Really Matter (W.A.R.M.) Guns Down, Life Up, NMIC, Northern Manhattan Perinatal Partnership and others tabled around the room to share resources and services available to help victims and survivors. Speakers addressed how to intervene during a domestic violence situation safely, and the legal aspects involved in getting help. For photos, please click here.
10/19/2023 – “Go Purple Day”
Borough President Gibson participated in “Go Purple Day,” a Citywide Day of Action held each October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Everyone is encouraged to wear purple to symbolize peace, courage, survival, and hope. Joined by NYPD Transit District 11, the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, and other DV service providers, the Borough President participated in a Day of Action that included distributing palm cards, and invaluable resources to get help. The Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence 24-Hour Hotline is available at 1-800-621-HOPE. For “Go Purple Day” photos, please click here.
10/24/2023 – DiVA Spa
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson partnered with Montefiore Einstein, and other sponsors to host the Bronx DiVA Spa in the Rotunda of Bronx Borough Hall located at 851 Grand Concourse. There, close to 300 women who pre-registered for the event, enjoyed free makeovers, manicures, facials, massages, hair treatments, and additional services by New York State licensed professionals while discreetly receiving potentially life-saving resources and information about domestic violence. For photos, please click here.
Sponsors for “31 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence,” include Montefiore Einstein; Bronx Care; NYC Health + Hospitals North Central Bronx and Jacobi; NYC Health + Hospitals Lincoln; NYC Chamber of Cosmetology; Brittany Beauty Academy; Monster Energy; Macy’s; and Petrucelli Beauty Supply and Equipment.
In addition to events led by the Borough President`s Office, the Borough President partnered with numerous community organizations and nonprofits for their events addressing housing for survivors and their families, traumatic brain injury, financial literacy, empowerment, and outreach.