(Ithaca, N.Y., October 1, 2024) – Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) is joining community partners to recognize National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the theme of “Heal, Hold, and Center.” Domestic violence affects individuals of all ages, genders, races, backgrounds, and socioeconomic status. This form of violence has long-term impacts on survivors, children and families, and communities.
The CDC’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (2016) reports that almost 1 in 2 women and more than 2 in 5 men in the United States have experienced domestic violence in their lifetime. LGBTQ+ women, trans people and non-binary people are equally as likely, if not more so, then their cisgender and heterosexual peers to have experienced intimate partner violence at some point in their lifetimes. More than half (54%) of trans and non-binary people have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime. Impacts of domestic violence include injury and needing medical care, being fearful, having concern for safety, experiencing PTSD symptoms, anxiety and depression, and needing help from law enforcement.
The Advocacy Center provides domestic and sexual violence services in Tompkins County. In 2023, the Advocacy Center served 778 adult survivors of domestic violence and received 2,467 calls to their hotline (607-277-5000). Tompkins County’s Department of Emergency Response 911 Dispatch reported 827 domestic incident calls from January to June 2023 compared to 862 domestic incident calls from January to June 2024. This information is available on the Community Justice Center data dashboard.
The Tompkins County Continuum of Care, a local network of public, private, and non-profit agencies working collaboratively to end homelessness in Tompkins County, reports that between October 2022 and September 2023, 40% of clients in the emergency shelter system self-reported they were survivors of domestic violence, and of those clients, 41% were fleeing a domestic violence situation within the past 90 days.
“This is a striking statistic for our community and sheds light on one of the many factors that can lead to someone finding themselves unstably housed. The Continuum of Care and our supportive housing network recognize domestic violence as an important issue to address and hope to see a decrease in this number through safe housing options and wrap-around services,” states Liddy Bargar, Director of Housing Initiatives at the Human Services Coalition.
Lyn Staack, Director of Education at the Advocacy Center states, “One step toward safer communities is for everyone to learn more about relationship abuse. We are proud to partner with the community during the month of October through several special events. We hope you will join us as an ally this month and throughout the year.”
Staack continues, “We want to remind the community that services and supports are available when you or someone you know is in need. Call the Advocacy Center’s 24-Hour Hotline at 607-277-5000 to be connected to help (dial 911 in a safety emergency). Domestic violence happens in our community, and the Advocacy Center is here for you.”
TCWH recognizes domestic violence as a health disparity that negatively impacts a person’s physical and mental well-being. We are dedicated to supporting the work of our community partners and thank them for their efforts in promoting Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Cornell University Human Resources, Ithaca College Public Safety, The Advocacy Center of Tompkins County, Tompkins County Court, the Human Services Coalition’s Continuum of Care, and Tompkins County’s Department of Emergency Response 911 Dispatch. Many other non-profit organizations and agencies, including law enforcement, higher education, Department of Social Services, and local school districts, support survivors and families in our community.
There are a variety of ways to participate as an ally during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
- Join the 3rd Annual IC Runs Purple 5k for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, October 5 at 9am. The event is hosted by Ithaca College’s Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management and the Prevention Education Network. All proceeds are to benefit the Advocacy Center.
- Participate in “Go Purple Day”, on October 17. Wear purple in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month to show your support for domestic violence survivors and use the hashtag #PurpleThursday on social media!
- Visit an installation of the Advocacy Center’s Clothesline Project, a collection of shirts made by local survivors of DV or in their honor.
- at Ithaca College on Wednesday October 16 in the Campus Center
- at TC3 on Thursday and Friday October 17 & 18 in the library
- Become more familiar with available community resources. TCWH Community Health Workers and an Advocacy Center educator will be present at the Community Justice Center’s Resource Hubs, at various locations throughout the county each week during October.
- Learn more about the issue! Listen to an upcoming (mid-October) episode on Cornell University’s “Inclusive Excellence Podcast,” which will discuss the issue of Domestic Violence with staff from Cornell Human Resources and the Advocacy Center.
The Advocacy Center offers help and support for youth and adult victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child sexual abuse at no cost. Services include but are not limited to:
- 24-hour hotline: 607-277-5000 for support, information, safety planning and to connect with other services such as ongoing individual support, support groups or confidential shelter
- Help with filing for orders of protection and/or reporting to law enforcement
- Support at Cayuga Medical Center after a physical or sexual assault
- Assistance filing for NYS Office of Victim Services compensation for expenses related to victimization
- Training and education programs for local schools, colleges, and organizations
Mental Health and Crisis Services are available:
- Mental Health Services (201 E. Green St. Ithaca): Attend Open Access Hours are or call 607-274-6200.
- The 9-8-8 Lifeline call service is also available, 24/7, to speak confidentially with mental health professionals about your concerns; dial 9-8-8 to connect with this support.
- Need help finding help? Dial 2-1-1 (1-877-211-8667) for supportive, local referrals and resource connections.
Media contact: Shannon Alvord, salvord@tompkins-co.org
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