Governor Hochul Proclaims October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in New York State and Launches Bold, Innovative Initiatives to Help Survivors

 

Governor Announces $6.5 Million in Grants Administered by the State Office of Children and Family Services to Better Assist Survivors of Domestic Violence and Support Prevention Initiatives

State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Launches Domestic Violence and Technology Public Awareness Campaign, Will Host Upcoming Panel Discussion with Leading Experts

Governor Hochul Directs State Landmarks to be Illuminated Purple This Evening to Mark the Start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Proclamation Available Here

 Governor Kathy Hochul today proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and announced $6.5 million in funding that will allow state-licensed service providers to offer survivors of domestic violence and their families with options for assistance and support, instead of relying on shelter-based services, and that will also enhance prevention programs. In addition, Governor Hochul also highlighted a new Technology Safety and Innovation for Survivors public awareness campaign, which will be coordinated by the state Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) and will shine a light on technology's role in abuse.

"We have come so far since the time that my mother advocated for domestic violence survivors, but our mission to put an end to the abuse and suffering that too many have had to endure is far from over," Governor Hochul said. "Our systems must evolve and we must continue to offer innovative solutions to meet the needs of survivors and families, wherever they are."

Administered by the state Office of Children and Family Services, the $6.5 million will support two initiatives:

• $4.8 million to 79 service providers statewide to provide housing for domestic violence survivors. 

• $1.7 million to five nonprofit organizations that offer domestic violence prevention programs. Each of these programs will receive $342,380: Retreat, Inc. in East Hampton, the New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project, Unity House of Troy, Vera House in Syracuse and Family Justice Center of Erie County.

Governor Hochul also directed the following state landmarks to be illuminated purple tonight to mark the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

• One World Trade Center
• Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
• MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
• The Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• The Kosciuszko Bridge
• The Franklin D. Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• The Lake Placid Olympic Jumping Complex
• The Main Gate and Expo Center at the State Fairgrounds
• Niagara Falls

OPDV's new social media campaign will highlight technology's intersection with domestic violence and spread awareness on the forms of technology-assisted abuse. While technology provides survivors with access to information, safety planning, and allows them to connect with their support systems, abusive partners use it to cause further harm to their partners. In addition to the campaign on Twitter (@NYSOPDV), Facebook (@NYSdomesticviolence) and Instagram (@nysopdv), the agency will sponsor a panel discussion featuring representatives from Facebook, Apple, Norton LifeLock and experts in academia to discuss emerging risks related to technology-assisted abuse, as well as mobile advocacy and other innovations to help survivors.

Scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 20, the discussion, "Balancing Technology Innovation and Safety in the Context of Gender-Based Violence," is designed for service providers, advocates and victim assistance professionals. Later this month, OPDV will also release a new publication to help survivors and advocates understand technology-assisted abuse and provide concrete tools and steps to protect privacy and safety in a digital world. The agency also launched its new website.

Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Sheila J. Poole said, "Our agency is proud to administer this federal grant money to allow providers to fund concrete needs for domestic violence survivors, giving them the resources to attain safe housing. We know that providing families with support and resources is foundational to preventing domestic violence in the first place."

Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Executive Director Kelli Owens said, "Domestic Violence Awareness Month highlights a reality that victims and survivors endure all year long and lets them know that they are not alone. Now more than ever, technology plays an important role in how victims and survivors experience abuse, and how they access domestic violence services. This October we're increasing awareness of technology's importance in transforming and updating service delivery to survivors statewide. We are forever thankful for Governor Hochul'slongstanding commitment and leadership on this important issue."

Office of Victim Services Director Elizabeth Cronin said, "We are so proud of the work we do at OVS to ensure that crime victims receive the support they need and to ensure that domestic violence survivors have the resources they need to find safety and thrive. I commend my state agency colleagues for their work and Governor Hochul for her strong leadership and advocacy on behalf of all victims and survivors of crime and their families."

New York State's Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline is available 27/7: 800-942-6906 (call), 844-997-2121 (text) or @opdv.ny.gov (chat). Last year, the state and local hotlines received 252,535 calls for assistance.

The Office of Victim Services also funds a network of more than 212 community-based programs that provide direct services to victims of crime and their families. The programs also help any victim of crime apply for compensation and other assistance from the agency, which is a safety net for individuals who have no other resources.

89 Days and Counting

 

Oh Dr. Chokshi this wasn't the second dose of Johnson and Johnson COVID vaccine? No Mr. Mayor this is your Flu shot, and we wanted to make sure that the public sees it. Don't worry Mayor de Blasio what you and the people don't know won't hurt them. 

O.K. Dr. Chokshi, thank you, and I didn't feel a thing. Now we want to get everyone vaccinated so you won't die if you catch the COVID virus. We don't use COVID-19 anymore because we are at the end of 2021, and this virus should be around for at least a few more years, according to our scientist.

95% of our school staff are now vaccinated, and those who aren't are being placed on unpaid leave, Right Councilman Eric Dinowitz. Whatever you say Mayor de Blasio, and feel free to have me on like you do Councilman Oswald Feliz when you need someone to be your yes man. My father the assemblyman worked very hard to get me elected, and he showed State Senators Biaggi and Rivera who is the boss in the 11th City Council District. 

Hart Island Finally Under The Department of Parks & Recreation's Jurisdiction!

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

OFFICE OF COUNCIL MEMBER 

YDANIS RODRIGUEZ

Monday, October 4th, 2021

"On December 2019, I was proud to join Mayor de Blasio, Melinda Hunt, President of the Hart Island Project, family and loved ones of people currently buried at Hart Island, and advocates as we signed into law Intro. 906-A, a bill I introduced to the Council transferring the jurisdiction and control over Hart Island, the City’s public burial ground, from the Department of Corrections (DOC) to the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). Family and loved ones of those buried at Hart Island should be free to visit their loved ones whenever they wish without having to be chaperoned by correctional officers.

It is with great pleasure to share an important update our office has received regarding the Hart Island transfer. Starting on Sunday, October 3rd NYC Parks Rangers have begun leading guided gravesite visits for loved ones of those buried on the island, taking over the DOC uniformed personnel's duties. These visitation opportunities for loved ones will be offered on a regular basis. In accordance with the City’s existing practice, these visits have limited capacity and must be pre-arranged. Additional information is slowly being rolled out, more to come in the near future. I would like to thank everyone that has worked tirelessly to make this possible." said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez

Nos Quedamos - Hiring

 

Nos Quedamos is HIRING Youth Change Agents! Submission Closing: October 6th We Stay/Nos Quedamos is looking for emerging and dynamic Youth Change Agents—ages15-25—interested in an opportunity to strengthen and develop your skills as a community leader around environmental justice issues. Final days to apply! Download flyer. Role: Youth Organizer Pay: $15/hr Commitment: 6-10 hours a week** Submission deadline: October 6, 2021 — no later than 5:00pm. More details at: nosquedamos.org/youthmatters If interested, submit a resume and cover letter to our Community Organizer, Carmen De Jesús at: cdejesus@nosquedamos.org ** Work hours can be as much as 10 hours during scheduled events. You may also be asked to work on a Saturdays. Nos Quedamos is a firm supporter of Equal Employment Opportunity laws and practices. Read our EEO Policy. We Stay / Nos Quedamos 754 Melrose Avenue Bronx, N.Y. 10451.

Housing Lottery Launches For The Bryant At 1115 East 165th Street In Longwood, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for The Bryant, an eight-story residential building at 1115 East 165th Street in Longwood, The Bronx. Designed by Magnusson Architecture and Planning and developed by New Destiny Housing, the 69,450-square-foot structure yields 62 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 24 units for residents at 50 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $25,886 to $64,450.

Residents will have access to bike storage lockers, shared laundry room, computer room, library, lounge, media room, children’s playroom, a doorman, live-in super, and a community center with on-site social services for low-income or formerly homeless households with special needs. Units include energy-efficient appliances, hardwood floors, and air conditioning.

The Bryant at 1115 East 165th Street in Longwood, The Bronx via NYC Housing Connect

At 50 percent of the AMI, there are 13 studios with a monthly rent of $682 for incomes ranging from $25,886 to $47,750; six one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $865 for incomes ranging from $32,503 to $53,700; and five two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,049 for incomes ranging from $39,703 to $64,450.

The Bryant at 1115 East 165th Street in Longwood, The Bronx via NYC Housing Connect

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than October 29, 2021.

New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - Upcoming Events in October

Thursday, October 7, 2021 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM EDT

Register here

Thursday, October 7, 2021 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM EDT

Thursday, October 7, 2021

8:30 AM – 6:00 PM EDT

Register here

Register here

Register here

Register here

Register here

Register here

 

Two Individuals Convicted of Murder and Extortion of Queens Business Owner

 

Defendants Killed the Owner of Family Business While Trying to Collect a Debt

 A federal jury in Brooklyn convicted Ppassim Elder, also known as “Bsam,” “Big Sam” and “Sam,” and Wilbert Bryant, also known as “Will” and “La,” of extortion, bank fraud, firearms and murder offenses.  The verdict followed a three-week trial before by United States District Judge William F. Kuntz, II.  When sentenced, the defendants face up to life in prison.

Jacquelyn M. Kasulis, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Dermot F. Shea, Commissioner, New York City Police Department, announced the verdict.

“With this verdict, a jury has held the defendants accountable for their heinous crimes, including the murder of a Queens business owner while attempting to collect a debt they claimed was owed by the victim’s son,” stated Acting United States Attorney Kasulis.  “This Office and our law enforcement partners are working tirelessly to protect the communities in our district from violent criminals like the defendants who will now face very serious consequences for their actions.”  Ms. Kasulis also expressed her appreciation to the Queens County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance during the investigation and prosecution.

As proven at trial, on the morning of October 23, 2017, Bryant and two other perpetrators walked into Garden Valley Distributors, a family-owned wholesale distribution business located in Ozone Park, Queens.  The perpetrators said that “Big Sam” had sent them to collect his money.  Earlier that year, Elder, who was known as “Big Sam,” had given the murder victim’s son money, which the son used to support the business.  When Elder demanded full repayment, the son was unable to repay the debt because much of the money had been used to purchase merchandise for Garden Valley.  Elder then began a campaign of intimidation against the son and his family.  On one occasion, Elder paid co-conspirators to throw a rock through a window of the victim’s home.  On another, Elder barged into the family home, intimidating members of the victim’s family.  Finally, Elder dispatched Bryant and two co-conspirators into Garden Valley business where, on October 23, 2017, the perpetrators brandished a firearm, pistol-whipped the son and fatally shot the father in the face. 

In addition to the murder, Elder extorted another person whose brother had stolen the proceeds of a fraud scheme committed by Elder.  Although the victim was not involved in the theft, Elder nonetheless punched him in his face in front of his daughters, breaking and bloodying his nose in order to “send a message” to the victim’s brother.  Elder and Bryant were also convicted of bank fraud conspiracy for lying to banks about the true owner of certain bank accounts, which permitted Elder to defraud innocent victims across the country, including an elderly man who lost over $30,000 when he was tricked into believing he was purchasing a car and another individual who lost over $150,000 when he was defrauded into believing he was purchasing two real estate properties.  Elder was also convicted of crimes committed after his arrest in this case, including stealing his attorney’s identity and lying to federal officials.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  As part of the program, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and their local communities to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.  

Three Current and Former NYPD Officers Charged with Bribery

 

In Exchange for Bribes, Two NYPD Officers Steered Damaged Vehicles to a Tow Truck Company Operated by a Former NYPD Officer

 An indictment was unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn charging James Davneiro, Giancarlo Osma, and Michael Perri with one count of conspiracy to violate the Travel Act and one count of using interstate facilities to commit bribery.  During the relevant period, Davneiro, Osma, and Perri were New York City Police Department (“NYPD”) officers assigned to the 107th Precinct in Queens.  Perri retired from the NYPD in June 2020.

The defendants were arrested and are scheduled to be arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Lois Bloom.

Jacquelyn M. Kasulis, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Dermot Shea, Commissioner, NYPD, announced the charges.

“As alleged in the indictment, these defendants disgraced their badges and betrayed the public trust and their oaths as police officers by lining their pockets with cash bribes,” stated Acting U. S. Attorney Kasulis.  “We will continue to root out and prosecute corruption by those who are sworn to enforce and uphold the law.”  Ms. Kasulis also thanked the National Insurance Crime Bureau for its assistance with the case.

“Accepting bribes as a law enforcement officer in lieu of following legal procedure is against the law and won't be tolerated. Those charged today aren't representative of the tens of thousands of men and women who serve the NYPD with honor day in and day out and, as such, will be held accountable for their alleged crime,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Driscoll.

“The NYPD cleans its own house. Corruption is a crime and a violation of a police officer’s sworn oath. This investigation is the third phase of an ongoing case where our Internal Affairs Bureau investigators left no stone unturned. I want to thank our FBI partners from the Public Corruption Unit, and the prosecutors of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York who have helped guide this case throughout,” stated NYPD Commissioner Shea.

Beginning in approximately May 2020, after Davneiro and Osma responded as NYPD officers to automobile accidents, they would steer the damaged vehicles to a licensed tow trucking and automobile repair business operated by Perri, instead of using the NYPD’s Directed Accident Response Program, as legally required. That program requires the NYPD to identify appropriate licensed tow trucking and automobile repair businesses to respond to automobile accident scenes and remove damaged vehicles.  In exchange for steering the removal and repair of damaged vehicles to Perri’s business, Perri paid Davneiro and Osma thousands of dollars in cash bribes.

The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted, the defendants face up to five years in prison.