Public Awareness
Bulletins - Winter 2010 OPDV Bulletin
Table of Contents
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From the Executive Director
Happy New Year!
I am pleased to reiterate a development that Deputy Secretary
Denise O’Donnell announced last November. New York
State has dedicated federal Recovery Act funds toward the creation
of a statewide Domestic Incident Report (DIR) repository, which
should be operational in a little over a year. When responding
to domestic violence calls, police are often unaware that other
police agencies have responded before to the same household. The
new system will provide historical information about police involvement,
allowing officers to make more informed primary aggressor analyses;
consider stalking charges; and be as prepared as possible when
arriving at the scene, protecting officers and victims.
This system will provide officers with what is in essence a history
of risk assessments. As Dr. O’Sullivan describes in
her article within, individual risk assessment is still an uncertain
field, but many risk-related questions such as history of domestic
violence, violations of court orders, and threats to kill, are
contained in the DIR. The new system will enhance the utility of
this vital document.
Finally, thanks to all who participated in the statewide “Shine the Light” domestic violence public awareness campaign last October. The effort was recognized by the National Domestic Violence Hotline as one of the three most inspirational campaigns of 2009. Enjoy the images highlighted in this issue and thank you for making New York shine!
Amy Barasch
Executive Director
