Staten Island Sees Dramatic Rise in Domestic Violence

Domestic violence arrests on Staten Island skyrocketed 48% between 2008 and 2010, reports the SI Advance. In the November 13th article, a Staten Island Legal Services client tells her story, and SILS' Manar Waheed and Shelly Agarwala talk about obstacles faced by DV survivors, as well as the services available to them.

From the piece :

HELP FOR VICTIMS

Spreading the word about the broadened domestic violence laws is important. Experts also say it's crucial to let victims know they'll be supported if they come forward.

Groups such as Safe Horizon offer victims and their families a number of free and confidential services, said Ms. Edelstein. They include shelter, criminal-justice and law-enforcement advocacy and accompanying victims to court.

Staten Island Legal Services can help clients with court matters and aid in advocating for social services, said Manar Waheed, a staff attorney.

And, two years ago, Donovan added a domestic violence coordinator to his office. Bernadette Davenport stays in touch with victims, assesses safety and risk factors and also helps facilitate support services for victims.

"Women are more confident now as they come forward and report a domestic violence incident that we're going to help them," said Donovan. "I'm hoping that the increase [in domestic violence arrests] has something to do with the people's confidence that we'll deal appropriately with the offender and help the women."

STILL UNDER-REPORTED
 
Even so, Ms. Edelstein said domestic violence remains one of the most chronically underreported crimes. She said victims often keep silent, fearing reprisal or exposure or worry that the system will fail them. Many don't know where to seek help, she said.

Staten Island has a burgeoning immigrant population, and domestic violence victims from those communities are often reluctant to press charges because they don't speak English.

"One of the biggest barriers we're noticing is language access," said Shelly Agarwala, supervising attorney for the family law unit of Staten Island Legal Services. "It can be hard for a victim to make a statement if the police aren't using interpreters."

Read the full article at SILive.com.