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herlife | spotlight Spotlight on Domestic Violence by ann e. butenas Maggie Fronk is extremely passionate about her job and enjoys being in a position to help people every day. However, she sincerely hopes that one day her position will be eliminated because these victim-assistance services are no longer needed. As the executive director of Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services of Saratoga County (DVRC), Maggie and her dedicated staff address myriad domestic violence issues that arise in all forms of human relationships, including teen dating, elders, men, women, families and same sex partnerships. National statistics suggest that one in four women and one in six men will be victims of domestic abuse. The challenge with quantifying relationship abuse is that people may never report the abuse or even realize they are victims of abuse. “We provide services to anyone who needs them through our 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, counseling staff and access to the legal system,” emphasized Maggie. “We help those individuals affected by domestic violence with housing, employment, child care and development of essential skills.” Maggie continued, “Many assume that domestic violence shows itself in the form of the proverbial black eye, but that’s not always the case. It involves things such as verbal threats, intimidation, financial control and emotional control.” DVRC handles on average 2,000 hotline calls each year in Saratoga County and provides in-services for 1,000 people annually. While traditionally they have focused their efforts on helping individuals already affected by domestic violence, they also push newer initiatives that promote prevention and early intervention. “For 30 years we have provided the best victim services,” stated Maggie. “We know we can end relationship abuse. Our goal now is to mobilize groups to change this. We want to prevent it from ever happening.” Among their many programs include talking to kids as young as elementary school age through the teen years about healthy relationships and signs of bullying and dating abuse. And it’s not just the girls who are victims. “Teenage boys can be targets of emotional control, threats and intimidation,” stressed Maggie. “Then there are the added components now of technology and cyberbullying, constant texting or calling on one’s cell phone.” DVRC also offers programs that provide information on how to keep safe in the workplace. “If someone is being harassed by a spouse or partner while at work, that impacts the employee’s productivity and feeling of safety,” Maggie noted. Every day, Maggie and her team are helping people change their lives and get what they never thought they could get. “At DVRC, we dream of a tomorrow without relationship violence, and achieve it by creating opportunities to transform lives,” said Maggie. At the state level, Amy Barasch, former executive director of New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV), is equally passionate about the work that OPDV does. “OPDV is the only executive-level state agency dedicated to domestic 34 HERLIFEnewyork.com
National statistics suggest that one in four women and one in six men will be victims of domestic abuse. The challenge with quantifying relationship abuse is that people may never report the abuse or even realize they are victims of abuse. violence in the country,” she stressed. “It is an individual state agency dedicated solely to domestic violence.” In June, the state announced a package of legislation containing provisions to strengthen New York’s domestic violence laws including the creation of a new felony crime that penalizes repeat domestic violence offenders, as well as an added protection for domestic violence victims by requiring judges, when determining bail, to consider the presence of orders of protection and/or firearms—both known red flags for increased risk. The state will also be launching a Domestic Violence Fatality Review team, which will conduct in-depth analysis of intimate partner homicides to make recommendations about improving systems overall. Further, each October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, OPDV promotes “Shine the Light on Domestic Violence,” a public awareness campaign that encourages the state to turn purple throughout the month. From skyscrapers to bridges, storefronts to shopping centers, purple lights illuminate the nights in October. Over 425 organizations and individuals participated last year, wearing purple, flying purple flags and more. Interested individuals can download a free toolkit with suggested ways to promote this campaign. “We are making great strides,” said Amy. “Every state agency in New York has a domestic violence in the workplace policy which provides a mechanism for individuals to disclose in confidence, partner with their employers to get safe and stay employed.” ■ For more information, visit DVRC at 480 Broadway LL20, Saratoga Springs, call 518-583-0280 or go online at dvrcsaratoga.org. For more information on OPDV, go online at opdv.ny.gov or respectlove. opdv.ny.gov, or on Facebook at facebook.com/NYSdomesticviolence and facebook.com/RespectloveNYS. The NYS Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotlines are 1-800-942-6906 (all languages, 24/7) and 1-800- 942-6908 (Spanish language, 24/7). HERLIFEnewyork.com 35
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