Niagara County

Domestic Violence Intervention Program
438-3301

Since 1994 this program has been providing Niagara County domestic violence victims access to services and entry into the criminal justice system through early intervention to provide the safety and support they need.

Victim Outreach

 Every Domestic Incident Report filed with law enforcement agencies is acted upon shortly after an incident occurs. The Domestic Violence Coordinator and advocates provide support and advocacy to victims including:

• Safety planning
• Danger Assessment
• Referrals to appropriate services
• Court accompaniment
• Meetings with District Attorney’s
• Assistance in obtaining Orders of Protection

Community Outreach

 In order to increase the awareness of domestic violence as a crime and as a community problem, the Domestic Violence Coordinator and advocates provide training and education on domestic violence topics including:

• Dynamics of Domestic Violence-Power and Control
• Effects of Domestic Violence on Victims and Children
• Teen Dating Violence
• Effective Response to Domestic Violence
• Resources Available for Victims
• Training for law enforcement, medical personnel, educators, court staff, service providers and community groups

Cell Phone Donations

The Domestic Violence Intervention Program has joined a national campaign to collect used cell phones to be used by victims to dial 911 in emergency situations. Newer phones in good condition are given to local victims to aid in their safety planning, and the remainder of the phones collected are sent to a distribution center to be refurbished or recycled. The DVIP is currently involved with the 911 Cell Phone Bank, a program endorsed by the National Sheriff’s Association. This program allows us to generate funds from the donation of used cell phones. Funds received will be used to purchase brochures, and materials to assist in our outreach efforts.

If you have a cell phone you would like to donate please contact the
Domestic Violence Coordinator (438-3301) for instructions and the nearest drop-off location.

Silent Witness Project

In October of 2006 the Domestic Violence Intervention Program unveiled the “Silent Witness Project”, a memorial consisting of life-sized silhouettes representing the Niagara County women who lost their lives as a result of domestic violence since 1996. This lasting tribute was created by Jeffery Wick as an Eagle Scout project. As future homicides occur, silhouettes will be added to the project and displayed in various locations throughout the county during October in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Resources

 Local help is available.

 Agencies throughout Niagara County offer domestic violence hotlines, emergency shelter, counseling, support groups and assistance in the court system for victims and their families:

Domestic Violence Intervention Program, 438-3301
Family & Children’s Service of Niagara Inc., 285-6984
YWCA of Niagara, 433-6176
YWCA of the Tonawandas, 692-5643
Niagara County Victim Assistance, 438-3306
Crisis Services, 285-3515
Rape Crisis Services, 285-3518
NYS Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-635-1522

Internet Resources

NYS Coalition Against Domestic Violence
www.nyscadv.org
NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
www.opdv.state.ny.us
Victim Information & Notification Everyday (VINE)
www.vinelink.com
Family Violence Prevention Fund
www.endabuse.org
Liz Claiborne Inc.
www.loveisnotabuse.org
National Teen Dating Violence Helpline
www.loveisrespect.org