Campaign Encourages Public Involvement
City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly, Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence Commissioner Yolanda B. Jimenez, NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta and City Council members gathered last Tuesday, May 8, to unveil a public service campaign that will focus on increasing reporting of domestic violence.
“Don’t Mind Your Own Business” was a concept developed, designed and produced by NYC & Company which will appear at bus shelters, phone kiosks and news stand ads throughout the five boroughs. The goal is by getting the community involved in reporting domestic violence, law enforcement can better respond to such incidents.
“Domestic violence leaves its mark long after its physical scars have faded. Violence from someone you love and may rely on for support makes it that much harder to report abuse,” said Quinn. “That’s why we’re asking all New Yorkers to come out of the shadows and ‘Don’t Mind Your Own Business,’ if they witness or know of domestic violence happening in their community. New Yorkers must know there are services they can turn to and seek help. I want to thank the NYPD, NYC & Company and my colleagues for working together to come up with this public service announcement to protect and proactively help victims of domestic violence.”
“Silence is an accomplice of domestic violence,” Kelly added. “That’s why people should heed the message of this campaign, ‘Don’t mind your own business.'”
According to the Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence, family violence related deaths have been steadily increasing from 63 in 2009, 77 in 2010 and 92 in 2011. The majority of these cases had no known prior police contact and/or no current order of protection.
NYPD response to domestic violence incidents have been increasing as well, from 234,988 (more than 600 per day) in 2008 to 257,813 (more than 700 per day) in 2011.
“I am proud to have been a part of the development of this PSA because it emphasizes that we must develop a sense of shared community responsibility for ending domestic violence,” stated City Council Member Julissa Ferreras. “We must continue to support victims of domestic violence with services and assistance so that they feel they can turn to law enforcement for help.”
“One call to 911 can save a life. Domestic violence is ignored all too often-if you see or hear something, be sure to trust your instincts and call police,” added City Council Member Peter F. Vallone Jr.
Last year, the city announced a plan that will focus on broadening awareness about domestic violence, and how everyone can take an active part in combating it. Throughout the year workplace training, community outreach and screening trainings were held in collaboration with the City Council, city agencies and domestic violence service providers.
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To find more information on how to recognize domestic violence and how to get help, visit the City Council website, www.council.nyc.gov
