New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Launches 'Start the Conversation,' a Multi-Media Campaign to Raise Awareness
Winning 'End Domestic Violence' License Plate Design Unveiled
State Landmarks and Bridges To Be Illuminated in Purple on Saturday Evening
Read the Proclamation Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and announced the launch of 'Start the Conversation,' a multi-media campaign aimed at helping New Yorkers raise this critical issue with people in their lives and communities. In addition to the campaign, the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence also unveiled the winning license plate design created in partnership with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles in honor of the agency's 30th anniversary.
"Our state has come a long way since the days when my mother advocated for the survivors of domestic violence, but there is still much work to be done in helping to put an end to the abuse and suffering that far too many New Yorkers have endured over the years," Governor Hochul said. "Throughout October, we are reminded of the need to continue evolving our approach to domestic and gender-based violence so that we can best meet the needs of survivors and their families."
Governor Hochul also directed the following state landmarks and bridges to be illuminated purple on Saturday, Oct. 1, marking the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month:
- One World Trade Center
- Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
- Kosciuszko Bridge
- The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
- State Education Building
- Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
- Empire State Plaza
- State Fairgrounds - Main Gate & Expo Center
- Niagara Falls
- The "Franklin D. Roosevelt" Mid-Hudson Bridge
- Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
- Albany International Airport Gateway
- MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
- Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
The 'Start the Conversation' campaign is aimed at better informing New Yorkers on how to raise the issue of domestic and gender violence with survivors and how to access the resources available to help them. The campaign will feature messaging on social media and broadcast radio throughout the state, along with an online toolkit with resources to help raise awareness.
Earlier this year, the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) conducted a public opinion poll of 5,000 individuals statewide to better understand public perceptions of domestic violence issues. The findings suggested that while most New Yorkers are confident in their understanding of domestic and gender-based violence and that many know someone who was abused or in a controlling relationship, many believed these issues to result from outside factors — drug or alcohol use, poor impulse control, or anger problems — rather than the decisions of an abusive partner.
New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Executive Director Kelli Owens said, "To be survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive, we've got to hear from survivors and all New Yorkers about what they think is the issue and how to solve it. That's why this year OPDV started the conversation and surveyed 5,000 New Yorkers to get their thoughts. I am grateful to serve a Governor who understands what we need to do to end domestic and gender-based violence and has an unwavering commitment to this important issue."
OPDV also announced the 'End Domestic Violence' license plate design selected by New Yorkers to honor the agency's 30th anniversary. Created in partnership with the DMV, the design reflects the strength and resilience of survivors, and New York State 's commitment to support them.
License plates can be purchased beginning Wednesday, Oct. 5, by going to DMV.ny.gov. Revenue from the plates will support OPDV's continued work to end gender-based violence through programming and public awareness.
New York State's Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline provides free, confidential support 24/7 and is available in most languages: 800-942-6906 (call), 844-997-2121 (text) or @opdv.ny.gov (chat). Individuals also can visit www.ovs.ny.gov/connect to find a victim assistance program in their community.
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