What is Domestic Violence?
Hot Topic: Stop Domestic Violence
I want the abuse to stop. What should I do?
Call 911 for immediate help. If you are unable to do so, you should go to the police station nearest to where the abuse has occurred. If you have suffered an injury, you should seek medical attention and have photographs of your injuries taken. Remember, any evidence of the abuse, such as broken furniture, punched holes in the wall, torn clothing, damaged phone or cell phone and any types of messages: voice mail, text or email are helpful in the investigation and prosecution of your case.
The abuser has been arrested. What happens now?
After arrest, the abuser will appear before a judge. This process is called an arraignment. An attorney will represent the abuser, and an Assistant District Attorney will represent the People of the State of New York. The case against the abuser is brought in the name of the People of the State of New York, not your name. At arraignment, the judge can either set bail, hold the abuser in jail without bail, or release the abuser, who must then return to court on a future date. Usually the abuser is arraigned within 24 hours of his or her arrest.
CAUTION: The abuser may be released at any time after arraignment
What do you mean the abuser can be released? Don’t I get any protection?
At arraignment, the Assistant District Attorney can ask the judge to issue an Order of Protection. An Order of Protection is a court order that instructs the abuser to refrain from certain conduct, including harassing, intimidating, threatening, assaulting, or stalking you. In addition, the order of protection can instruct the abuser to refrain from having any contact with you, whatsoever. If the abuser violates the order of protection, he or she can be re-arrested.
Please click here to learn more information about Orders of Protection
Now that I have this order of protection, am I safe?
An order of protection cannot guarantee your safety. Therefore, it is important to have a safety plan. Our Office can assist you in obtaining court-related information and social services to help provide for your safety and ease any emotional trauma. Our Witness Aid Services Unit at 1 Hogan Place and at our Northern Manhattan Office located on 125th Street will help you with:
- Developing a safety plan;
- Obtaining case information;
- Arranging to speak with the Assistant District Attorney assigned to your case;
- Obtaining a copy of the order of protection issued in your case;
- Referrals to domestic violence shelters, including relocation for senior victims;
- Individual or group counseling;
- Referrals for children exposed to Domestic Violence;
- Referrals to organizations with expertise in family court and/or immigration matters;
- Referrals to Adult Protective Services and/or the NYC Department for the Aging;
- Help with public assistance applications;
- Transportation to and from court;
- Advocacy with other agencies on your behalf;
- A cell phone for emergency 911 use , (applies to high-risk situations) ;
Can you still help me if I don’t want the abuser arrested?
In order to proceed in Criminal Court you must have a criminal case. You also have the option to file a petition in Family Court when a family offense has been committed against you. You can request an order of protection in Family Court. However, Family Court is a civil court, and a proceeding will not result in a criminal record for the abuser. In order to proceed in Family Court, you and the abuser must:
- Be related by blood,
- Be legally married,
- Be formerly married,
- Have a child in common, or
- Be or have been in an intimate relationship.
For more information regarding Family Court proceedings, contact:
Examples of Domestic Violence
Jordan and Alex have two children. Jordan has endured a violent relationship that has included physical and psychological abuse. Jordan has tried to escape before, but without money, had felt trapped. Jordan had lost all hope. One evening, Jordan beat Alex in front of the children. A neighbor called the police. Jordan is now getting help and the abuse has stopped.
Sam, fourteen, is dating Taylor, eighteen. Taylor tells Sam what to wear and who to hang out with. Taylor forces Sam to have unprotected sex. Later, they get into an argument and Taylor slaps Sam. Taylor texts Sam saying “if I can’t have you, no one will”. Sam becomes scared and tells a parent, who takes Sam to the police station. Sam now feels safe.
Jen is pregnant with Tyler’s baby. Tyler is very jealous and does not allow Jen to see friends or family. When Jen got home late, Tyler became angry and placed his hands around Jen’s neck and squeezed. Jen was unable to breathe and blacked out. Jen files a police report. Tyler is arrested for strangulation.
New York City Resources and Services for Victims of Domestic Violence
The NYPD has a domestic violence unit in every precinct in New York City. Officers in this unit are specially trained to handle domestic violence cases. Call your local precinct to speak with the domestic violence officer. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
1st Precinct 212-334-0611
5th Precinct 212-334-0711
6th Precinct 212-741-4811
7th Precinct 212-477-7311
9th Precinct 212-477-7811
10th Precinct 212-741-8211
13th Precinct 212-477-7411
Midtown South Precinct 212-239-9811
17th Precinct 212-826-3211
Midtown North Precinct 212-767-8400
19th Precinct 212-452-0600
20th Precinct 212-580-6411
Central Park Precinct 212-570-4820
23rd Precinct 212-860-6411
24th Precinct 212-678-1811
25th Precinct 212-860-6511
26th Precinct 212-678-1311
28th Precinct 212-678-1611
30th Precinct 212-690-8811
32nd Precinct 212-690-6311
33rd Precinct 212-927-3200
34th Precinct 212-927-9711
NYPD Housing Domestic Violence Unit
Domestic Violence Resources
Please note this resource list is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a recommendation of any of the specific services provided by the programs. This brochure does not list every domestic violence resource available in New York City.
Adult Protective Services Central Intake Unit
Adult Protective Services (APS) is a state-mandated case management program that arranges for services and support for physically and/or mentally impaired adults who are at risk of harm. APS seeks to promptly resolve the risks faced by eligible clients with service plans that will enable these individuals to live independently and safely within their homes and communities. Prospective clients may be referred by anyone.
New York City Anti-Violence Project
New York City Anti-Violence Project provides services to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender victims, including counseling, advocacy for legal issues, support groups, and community education.
Barrier Free Living, Inc.
Barrier Free Living provides services to disabled domestic violence victims, including advocacy, individual counseling, support groups, skills training, shelter referrals and help in obtaining orders of protection. Services are available citywide in English, Spanish, Creole, and American Sign Language.
New York City Department for the Aging
The Elderly Crime Victims Resource Center provides direct resource and referral to victims of elder abuse and also coordinates our education and prevention efforts around this important agency mission. The Elderly Crime Victims Program within DFTA can be contacted by phone from 9 to 5 Monday through Friday (311). After hours, callers are routed to Safe Horizon's hotline to ensure 24/7 assistance.
Manhattan Legal Services, Domestic Violence Project
Manhattan Legal Services provides victims of domestic violence with legal representation in Family court (for custody, visitation, and child support matters) and help in obtaining orders of protection. Services are available in English and Spanish.
New York Asian Women’s Center
New York Asian Women’s Center provides crisis intervention, safe shelter, counseling, advocacy, and community education with specific consideration to unique issues faced by Asian battered women. Services are available in English, Chinese, Hindi, and other Asian language or dialects.
Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation
Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation provides domestic violence victims with crisis counseling, shelter/housing assistance, court accompaniment, referrals and legal services. Services are available in English and Spanish.
Sanctuary for Families, Inc.
Sanctuary for Families provides domestic violence victims and their children with shelter/housing assistance, counseling, advocacy, referrals, support groups and legal services. Services are available in English, Spanish, French and other languages.
CONNECT Legal Advocacy Program
CONNECT Legal Advocacy Program provides domestic violence victims with advocacy for criminal and family court issues, shelter, public assistance and immigration. Services are available in Spanish and English.
Violence Intervention Program
Violence Intervention Programprovides domestic violence victims with crisis counseling, advocacy, support groups, community education, referrals, and shelter. Services are available in English and Spanish.
New York City Domestic Violence
New York State Hotlines
VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) is a service which provides victims of crime through the telephone or internet information regarding release dates for inmates in the custody of the New York City Department of Correction and New York State Department of Correctional Services.
888-846-3469, www.vinelink.com
New York County District Attorney's Office Witness Aid Services Unit
New York County District Attorney’s Office
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