I want to commend the Times Ledger for its thoughtful and informative editorial on domestic abuse (Oct. 24, 2014). The editorial highlights two horrific crimes in which women and children were killed. In both cases the defendants are awaiting sentencing and are facing very long prison terms.
The City has seen a significant decrease in violent crimes, but domestic abuse continues at an unacceptable rate. In response, the Queens District Attorney’s Office has redoubled its efforts to stop the violence, to hold offenders accountable, to protect victims from further abuse and to aid families in crisis with appropriate services and programs.
Our Domestic Violence Bureau has specially trained prosecutors and investigators who are dedicated to building the strongest possible cases against abusers. Our office has become a leader in the successful use of “evidence-based prosecutions.” Cases are built around a myriad of evidence and in many instances victims do not need to testify at trial. We are diligent about collecting every shred of evidence — medical records, 911 calls, police and witness accounts, cell phone site data and digital photographs showing the victim’s injuries and gives judges a greater perspective when it comes to setting bail and issuing orders of protection. The results speak for themselves.
Our office has the highest domestic violence conviction rate in New York City and the lowest dismissal rate.
We also take more pre-indictment domestic violence pleas than the rest of the City combined Domestic Violence Awareness Month is coming to a close, but all year long we are focused on stopping the violence. Thank you again for sharing crucial information about the Queens Family Justice Center. Open since July of 2008, this is a walk-in center that houses a host of service providers that can help domestic abuse victims and their children obtain food, emergency shelter, counseling, civil legal assistance and other vital support services. There is on-site child care and all services are free regardless of what language you speak or your immigration status. The phone number of the Center is (718) 575-4500.
Once again, thank you for an enlightening editorial.
Richard A. Brown
Queens District Attorney
