Kingston, NY – Ulster County Executive Mike Hein proclaims the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Ulster County. As in past years, the County Office Building and the cupola at the Crime Victim’s Unit Office at 1 Pearl Street in Kingston will be lit purple to shine the light on domestic violence and four billboards will be displayed throughout the County to raise awareness of this serious issue. In addition, the County Executive and the Ulster County Interagency Council on Domestic Violence are sponsoring the 3rd Annual Domestic Violence Information Forum with national speaker, Tony Porterfrom the organization “A Call to Men.” The public is invited to this free event which will be held on October 27, 2015 at the SUNY Ulster Quimby Theater, Stone Ridge, NY from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required at http://www.sunyulster.edu/call_to_men.
Tony Porter is an educator and activist working in the social justice arena for over twenty years and is nationally recognized for his efforts to end men’s violence against women. Porter emphasizes that, even well-meaning men who do not see themselves as part of the problem need to get involved.
Domestic Violence is a national issue and is defined as a pattern of coercive behavior that is culturally learned and socially condoned. It can include physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse and is perpetrated by one person against their intimate partner. Domestic violence can also be perpetrated by and/or against a member of the same family or household. Domestic violence remains a huge and largely hidden problem. Approximately 42.4 million women in the United States have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
“It’s critical to raise awareness of the national epidemic of domestic violence which affects millions of families,” said County Executive Hein. “I am encouraged that in Ulster County we have been successful in bringing together a collaboration of agencies and resources to address domestic violence, but the fact is even one case is too many, and so we are continuing to work together to raise awareness and ensure victims of domestic violence know there is real help and they don’t have to stay in an abusive relationship. That is why Ulster County has added another tool to help, a new smartphone app to help individuals recognize the signs of relationship abuse. The app can be found by searching `Ulster County Domestic Violence´ at the Apple App Store and Google Play. The app also features videos and instant call-for-help buttons that connect to local and national hotlines and emergency services. Our Ulster County Interagency Council on Domestic Violence did an outstanding job in developing this critical app and I want to thank everyone involved for all their work. We continue to raise awareness so that victims know they are not alone and there is help, including a twenty-four hour hotline which can be reached by calling 845-338-2370, as well as Ulster County resources available through the Department of Social Services and Crime Victim’s Unit. I urge anyone in need of help to reach out or if they know a victim of domestic violence to encourage them to reach out too.”
Holley Carnright, Ulster County District Attorney
“Domestic Violence is one of the greatest risks facing Ulster County residents,” said Ulster County District Attorney Holley Carnright. “I sincerely appreciate County Executive Hein’s continuing efforts at combating Domestic Violence. He has been a great partner on this issue.”
Michael Iapoce, Commissioner of the Ulster County Department of Social Services and Chair of the Ulster County Inter-Agency Council on Domestic Violence
"The Ulster County Interagency Council on Domestic Violence is proud to join County Executive Hein in recognizing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” said Michael Iapoce, Commissioner of the Ulster County Department of Social Services and Chair of the Ulster County Inter-Agency Council on Domestic Violence. “This year's initiatives included a County employee payroll stuffer, billboards, and the 3rd Annual Domestic Violence Information Forum on October 27th at SUNY Ulster featuring keynote speaker Tony Porter from A Call to Men. In addition to these annual initiatives, the Council was pleased to be involved in the design and development of the domestic violence app, which will improve our ability to reach more people on an ongoing basis with essential information about domestic violence. The Council and County Executive Hein are committed to continue to raise awareness about services and promote education on how to stop domestic violence in our community."
Some of the resources available in Ulster County for victims of domestic abuse include the Family of Woodstock Domestic Violence Services hotline, which can be reached 24 hours-a-day at 845-338-2370, and the Ulster County Crime Victim Assistance Program, which can be reached at 845-340-3442. These programs provide counseling, shelter, as well as legal and financial support for victims. For more information regarding the Crime Victims Assistance Program please visit its website at: http://ulstercountyny.gov/probation/crime-victim-assistance.
