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Domestic Violence

Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse or intimate partner violence (IPV), can be broadly defined as a pattern of coercive tactics and abusive behaviors perpetrated by one partner against a current or former intimate partner with the goal of establishing and maintaining power and control.  Domestic violence has many forms some of which may include:  physical abuse (e.g. strangulation, hitting, kicking, biting, shoving, restraining, throwing objects), or threats thereof; sexual abuse; emotional or psychological abuse; controlling or domineering; intimidation; stalking; passive/covert abuse (e.g., neglect); and economic abuse. 

Abuse can occur without regard to the parties’ sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, race, age, socio-economic status, disability, education level, culture or religion. 

Generally, this section provides users with various domestic violence-related articles, policy and advocacy documents, legislative summaries and updates, training and Domestic Violence Task Force Meeting announcements, impact litigation highlights, program updates, and other resources.  We also maintain sub-sections addressing other critical cross-over legal issues impacting domestic violence victims including: housing, public benefits, immigration, rights of the Deaf and disabled communities, as well as the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities.             

*If you are a victim in need of immediate assistance, please call: 

NYS Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline (English): 1-800-942-6906; NYS Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline (TTY English): 1-800-818-0656

NYS Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline (Spanish): 1-800-942-6908; NYS Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline (TTY Spanish): 1-800-780-7660

 

 

ARTICLES

Empire Justice Center 2012 Legislative and Executive Agenda
The focus of our state level policy work for 2012. Read More

Hiding in Plain Sight: New York's Address Confidentiality Program
Over the last decade, New York lawmakers have demonstrated their ongoing appreciation for the connection between domestic violence and a victim’s increased need, not only for physical protection, but also for privacy safeguards. Read More

 

 

IN THE NEWS

Dickerson Decision: Press Coverage from Across New York
Press coverage of the ground breaking decision. Read More


Dickerson Decision: Clears up Civil Union Confusion in the Courts and Brings Long Awaited Justice to Victim
In a landmark decision in the case of Dickerson v. Thompson, the Appellate Division, Third Department, reversed a lower court’s ruling and granted dissolution of a Vermont civil union for lifelong New York resident and victim of intimate partner abuse, Audrey Dickerson. Dickerson sought relief in New York because, as a non-resident of Vermont, she was unable to dissolve her civil union there. Read More


POLICY ADVOCACY

Empire Justice Memo of Support: Allow Victims of Domestic Violence to Provide a Safe Alternate Address to Health Insurers
This legislation would amend New York's Insurance Law to ensure that domestic violence victim's safety and access to health care is not undermined by abusers who are able to obtain access to their victim's location or sensitive health information through a shared health plan. Read More


Empire Justice Center's Comments on New York's TANF State Plan 2012 - 14
Our comments to OTDA urging them to take leadership on a number of issues which will improve the lives of low income New Yorkers. Read More


 

 

PUBLICATIONS

Technology Safety and Domestic Violence


A Training for Domestic Violence Service Providers in Idaho Read More

Rochester Model Training Project


Assisting Women Who Are Abused in Our Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community. Read More

 

 

NEWSLETTERS

Legal Services Journal - Fall 2011
The Fall 2011 Legal Services Journal reports on a wide range of poverty law topics. This issue provides analysis addressing the connection between domestic violence and a victim's increased need, not only for physical protection, but also for privacy safeguards. Also featured in this issue are articles on immigration, language access in hospital care, Medicaid, Food Stamps, foreclosure prevention services program and look at wage theft and the impact on communities and forging a path to wage justice. Thanks to all of our authors for their contributions to this issues of the Legal Services Journal. Read More


TRAININGS AND EVENTS

WEBINAR - Challenging Indicated CPS Reports in the NYS Central Registry
Despite critical legal advances, victims of domestic violence continue to suffer with indicated reports of child abuse and maltreatment contained in the NY State Central Registry. Read More

Working With LGBT(Q) Clients
This presenters discusses the research documenting the intersection of poverty and economic injustice in these communities. They will further address the emerging needs of LGBTQ-identified youth, including youth in the foster care and juvenile justice systems. Participants will also learn about ways that civil legal services office can create an inclusive, safe, and comfortable atmosphere both for clients, as well as LGBTQ staff. Read More