Rochester leaders examine gaps in domestic violence prevention and support for survivors

Rochester, New York – A decline in overall crime has not removed the challenges facing Rochester residents experiencing domestic violence. That concern brought local and state leaders together with advocates and service providers for an annual discussion about prevention, access to help, and the needs of survivors.

Mayor Malik D. Evans and New York State Assemblymember Jen Lunsford hosted the roundtable during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Participants included legal professionals, law enforcement representatives, government officials, and community partners. Their morning discussions examined whether gaps in funding, resources, and public policy are slowing progress.

“Domestic violence remains an urgent issue that demands our collective attention and action,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “This roundtable brings together leaders and community partners to share knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and identify meaningful strategies to better support survivors and prevent abuse. I am grateful to Assemblymember Jen Lunsford and our local partners and organizations for their continued commitment to this important work, which raises awareness and helps us break the cycle of domestic abuse and build a stronger, safer Rochester.”

For Lunsford, the discussion was an opportunity to identify practical steps across several areas of support, with prevention at the center of that work.

“Prevention is the best medicine, but preventing domestic violence is easier said than done,” said Assemblymember Jen Lunsford. “Because domestic violence is a problem with multiple root causes, the solution has to come from several different angles. Enforcement alone is not enough; therapy alone is not enough; funding alone is not enough. The goal of today’s roundtable is to identify the gaps in our system and create a set of action items that will help us better meet the needs of victims, provide better support to all involved, and prevent domestic violence before it happens.”

Read also: Second installment of 2026 school tax bill due Thursday, October 15

The challenges also extend to how people find and receive assistance. Connecting survivors with services, and helping them navigate those services, was another concern raised by participants.

“Domestic Violence Awareness Month calls on all of us to recognize that safety is a shared responsibility,” said Meaghan de Chateauvieux, Willow President & CEO. “Domestic violence can affect anyone, anywhere, and survivors should never have to navigate complicated systems alone. Willow is grateful to the Mayor’s Office and Assemblywoman Lunsford for convening this roundtable and elevating the urgent need for coordinated, trauma-informed support. Together, we can build a community where survivors are believed, resources are within reach, and every person has a path to safety, justice, healing, and hope.”

State officials also pointed to support addressing the everyday needs that survivors and their families may face as they rebuild their lives.

“This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we honor the resilience of survivors and their families,” said Kelli Owens, Executive Director of the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence. “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York continues to strengthen vital supports—including housing, childcare, and financial empowerment through SAFE funds. At OPDV, we remain committed to a survivor-centered, trauma-informed response. To all survivors: your experiences matter, help is always available, and we are here to help you safely heal and rebuild.”

Read also: Governor Hochul urges students to use college application fee waivers available across New York this fall

The need for that work remains clear within the local criminal justice system. Monroe County District Attorney Brian Green reported a growing domestic violence caseload despite declines in arrests across other crime categories.

“While we are encouraged to see overall arrests declining across several categories of crime, we are experiencing a significant increase in domestic violence cases coming through the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office,” said Monroe County District Attorney Brian Green. “This troubling trend is a reminder that there is still significant work to be done to protect victims and hold offenders accountable. We have increased our efforts to address domestic violence, strengthening our focus on these cases and ensuring that survivors have the support, resources, and advocacy they deserve throughout the criminal justice process. I want to recognize ADA Patrick Gallagher, Chief of our Domestic Violence Bureau, our dedicated prosecutors who work on these difficult cases, and the victim advocates for their tireless commitment to this difficult and important work. I am equally grateful to the many community organizations, advocates, and law enforcement partners who work alongside us every day, and Mayor Evans and Assemblymember Lunsford for bringing us together for this important conversation.”