Domestic Violence permeates the lives and compromises the safety of thousands of people each day, with tragic, destructive, and often fatal results.

Domestic Violence occurs within a wide spectrum of relationships, including married and formerly married couples, couples with children in common, couples who live together or have lived together, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender couples, and couples who are dating or who have dated in the past. Domestic violence can also be found within families. For example, it is also domestic violence when it occurs between adult siblings, adult grandchildren and grandparents, an adult child and parents.

Domestic Violence is defined as a pattern of coercive tactics which can include physical, psychological, sexual, verbal, financial, and emotional abuse perpetrated by one person against someone, with the goal of establishing and maintaining power and control over the victim.

The Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center provides criminal justice advocacy to victims of domestic violence. We assist with requesting orders of protection and safety planning. We may be able to assist with transportation to and from court or meetings with the District Attorney’s Office. We may be able to assist with lock changes to address safety concerns. We will assist with completing applications for compensation from the NYS Office of Victim Services, which may assist with moving costs and other related expenses. We assist with victim impact statement and VINE notification as well as Address Confidentiality Programs.

The Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center offers information and confidential counseling to victims of domestic violence and their children and to their families and friends. Short-tem, goal-oriented treatment is available to child and adult crime victims recovering from the trauma.

I think one of my employees is a victim of domestic violence. What should I do?

Tips for when you suspect domestic violence in the workplace.

Red Flags for an Escalation in the Violence or Even Homicide

A Person Who

• Is afraid of their partner
• Has been strangled or attempted to be strangled
• Recently separated from their partner
• Was assaulted while pregnant
• Has been forced or coerced into unwanted sex

The Perpetrator Who

• Has threatened to use a weapon or has access to a gun
• Is constantly and violently jealous
• Has threatened suicide
• Has broken through a door or window to get access to the victim
• Stalks the victim, including electronically
• Abuses alcohol or other drugs

www.opdv.ny.gov