Domestic Violence Resources

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior that occurs between family members and/or intimate partners to gain power and control. Domestic violence is also called domestic abuse, intimate partner violence, or dating violence. It may include sexual assault. People most often think of domestic violence as physical abuse, but that’s only part of the picture. Many victims are never physically or sexually assaulted but are controlled and terrorized by their partners’ use of nonphysical tactics such as verbal, emotional, or psychological abuse; coercion and threats; isolation; minimizing, denying, and blaming; using children; intimidation; and economic abuse.

Policy Statement

The City University of New York (CUNY) disapproves of violence against women, men, or children in any form, whether as an act of workplace violence or in any employee’s personal life. Domestic violence can spill over into the workplace, compromising the safety of both victims and co-workers and resulting in lost productivity, increased health care costs, increased absenteeism, and increased employee turnover. CUNY is committed to full compliance of all applicable laws governing domestic violence in the workplace, to promoting the health and safety of its employees, and to making a significant and continual difference in the fight to end domestic violence. CUNY will review this policy annually and will notify all employees and the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence of any revisions.

For more information, review the CUNY Domestic Violence Policy and Domestic Violence and the Workplace.

Where to Get Help

Millions of people are abused by their partners every year. It is important to know that resources are available to help victims and their children. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, help is available.

• • BC Domestic Violence Liaisons
    • Renita W. Simmons, executive director of HRS, 719.951.5137
  • The New York City Family Justice Centers is a one-stop domestic violence center available in every borough. The walk-in center provides free, confidential, and comprehensive civil legal, counseling, and supportive services for survivors of domestic violence. All centers are open Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. People of all ages, sexual orientations, and gender identities, regardless of their language, immigration status, or income, are welcome. No appointment necessary.
    • Are you in a relationship that makes you feel scared, hurt, of unsafe? (PDF)
    • What is the Family Justice Centers? (PDF)
  • The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence serves as a resource regarding the issue of domestic violence by disseminating regular public awareness campaigns, publishing materials for use by nonprofits and victims, distributing local assistance funds, and highlighting best practices in the field.
    • Help for Victims, Family, and Friends
    • Additional Benefits and Services
    • Domestic Violence Hotlines

If you are concerned about your safety on campus, contact Campus and Community Safety Services at 718.951.5511.