New York State Division of Veterans’ Services Participates in Agency-Wide Trainings for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

New York State Division of Veterans’ Services Participates in Agency-Wide Trainings for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

New York State’s Division of Veterans’ Services (DVS) recognized Domestic Violence Awareness Month through all-staff trainings conducted by the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) on Domestic Violence 101. These interactive trainings provided DVS staff with critical knowledge and information to better assist veterans, service members, and their families.

New York State Division of Veterans’ Services Director Viviana DeCohen said, “I am proud of the continued work and education our staff seeks out to provide the highest quality service to those we serve. Domestic violence is an issue that all parts of the population face. We are a better and more effective agency because of these weekly trainings. OPDV has provided us with invaluable tools and resources to empower our staff and our clients.”

October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month. OPDV conducted weekly trainings available to other state agencies and the general public to increase awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence and resources that are available for individuals experiencing domestic violence. Studies have found that approximately one third of women veterans have experienced domestic violence. Data also demonstrates that veterans and service members of all gender identities experience domestic violence or intimate partner violence more frequently than their civilian counterparts.

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Executive Director Kelli Owens said, “We’re starting the conversation across New York State because we can’t end domestic violence without talking about it. We are proud to partner with the Division of Veterans’ Services to train their staff so more NYS employees understand the warning signs of abuse and the resources available to get help.”

About the Division of Veterans’ Services
New York State’s Division of Veterans’ Services, which has served as the state’s advocacy agency for Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families since 1945, maintains an agencywide commitment of serving all Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families in a wide range of practice areas, including claims and appeals for benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, discharge upgrade appeals to the United States Department of Defense, and claims for New York State benefits. Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families are encouraged to contact the Division at 888-838-7697 or www.veterans.ny.gov to meet — in person or virtually — with an accredited Veterans Benefits Advisor to address their needs and gain the full measure of benefits that they have earned.

About the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence 

For the past 30 years, OPDV has remained the country's only Cabinet level agency dedicated to the issue of gender-based violence. The agency's mission is to improve New York State's response to and prevention of domestic and sexual violence with the goal of enhancing the safety of all New Yorkers in their intimate relationships through policy, programming, and public awareness. Survivor centered, trauma-informed, culturally responsive.

New York State's Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline provides free, confidential support 24/7 and is available in most languages: 800-942-6906 (call), 844-997-2121 (text) or @opdv.ny.gov (chat). 

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