New York is doubling down on its efforts to combat domestic violence, with a $23 million investment aimed at strengthening law enforcement response and expanding support services for survivors statewide.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the funding Monday as part of the Statewide Targeted Reductions in Intimate Partner Violence initiative, known as STRIVE, which is entering its second year.
The expanded funding will double the number of participating police departments to 42 across 17 counties and increase staffing dedicated to domestic violence response, including more than 100 full-time and 120 part-time positions.
Officials say the program focuses on high-risk cases and emphasizes coordination between police, prosecutors, probation departments, and community-based service providers to ensure a more consistent and survivor-centered response.
“Every survivor deserves to feel safe, supported, and heard,” Hochul said, adding that the investment is designed to improve access to services while helping prevent violence before it escalates.
The initiative also continues to prioritize training, with more than 1,200 public safety professionals receiving instruction in trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches during the program’s first year.
Several Finger Lakes and nearby counties are included in the funding distribution, with Monroe County receiving more than $2.6 million, Cayuga County allocated about $662,000, and Genesee County receiving roughly $563,000.
State officials said the additional funding will allow local agencies to tailor programs to their communities while maintaining a coordinated approach across jurisdictions.
Leaders across multiple state agencies said the initiative is helping break down long-standing silos between systems that respond to domestic violence, improving both accountability and support for victims.
The funding builds on broader efforts to strengthen public safety and ensure survivors can access services such as crisis counseling, legal assistance, and emergency support.
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