Suffolk police, nonprofit, among agencies to share $2M NYS grant to combat domestic violence

Suffolk County law enforcement and a Ronkonkoma nonprofit have received nearly $2 million in state grant funding to combat domestic violence, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office announced Monday.

The money is part of a $20 million grant under the governor’s initiative, Statewide Targeted Reduction in Intimate Partner Violence (STRIVE), which aims to increase enforcement and expand victim advocacy resources and outreach.

Under the grant, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office received $654,219; the Suffolk police department, $558,571; the county’s probation department, $117,811; and the sheriff’s office, $22,500.

A Ronkonkoma nonprofit, Long Island Against Domestic Violence, which has victim advocates working in each of the police department’s seven precincts, received $636,535.

Hochul said in a statement: "This record funding will save lives and reduce violence by putting offenders on notice and ensuring that the highest-risk victims and survivors receive the protection and support they need and deserve."

A total of 17 counties received grants, not including Nassau or New York City. Nassau County did not submit a proposal, according to Hochul's office. 

Funding was allocated based on the "volume and rate of domestic and intimate partner violence," Hochul's office said.

Data has shown a steep rise in domestic violence cases on Long Island, particularly among women, marking a 42% increase since 2019, Newsday previously reported.

Statewide, the grants will fund 155 positions including investigators, detectives, crime analysts, coordinators and advocates, Hochul's office said. 

The program focuses on high-risk cases where domestic violence victims face the potential for serious risk of injury or death. It uses mapping and crime analysis to focus on key areas, state officials said.

The state will monitor progress through data and then form plans to reduce domestic violence, officials said.

The Suffolk District Attorney’s Office will hire for seven positions: four victim advocates, a district attorney’s investigator to interview and locate witnesses, an attorney who will work as an interagency coordinator, and a crime analyst.

“This funding will allow us to enhance victim services, strengthen coordination with law enforcement, and increase the efficiency and sensitivity of our prosecution efforts," District Attorney Ray Tierney said in a statement. 

Long Island Against Domestic Violence will add four to six new positions to its staff of 45 and launch a pilot program to expand its presence with law enforcement, officials with the organization said. Last year, the nonprofit assisted more than 10,000 victims of domestic violence, said the nonprofit’s executive director, Wendy Linsalata.

Funding will pay for advocates in precincts from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. to connect those in need with resources including shelter and how to navigate criminal, civil or family court and file an order of protection.

"We’re not here to force anyone to do anything. We’re here to help them learn what’s available to them and enhance safety because safety looks different for every survivor," Linsalata said. "There’s a tremendous need to increase resources.

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.