Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 24, 2025, as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Day in the State of New York
This resolution memorializes Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 24, 2025, as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Day in New York State. It is a commemorative measure rather than a regulatory bill, and it uses the occasion to highlight the prevalence, forms, and impacts of domestic violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, technological, and economic abuse. The resolution also emphasizes that domestic violence affects people across all demographics and communities, while noting disproportionate impacts on Black, LGBTQ+, Native American, and other marginalized populations.
The resolution further underscores the public health, safety, and economic consequences of domestic violence, citing survivor service demand, orders of protection, hotline calls, and intimate partner homicides in New York. It frames prevention as a primary goal, stressing the importance of healthy relationships, gender equality, community-based prevention, and sustained support for survivors and their children. The measure also recognizes the work of domestic violence advocates and the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence in providing services and advancing prevention efforts.
As a resolution, J00356 does not amend the Penal Law, Family Court Act, Social Services Law, or any other statute. Its legal effect is limited to expressing the Legislature’s sentiment and requesting that the Governor issue a proclamation designating February 24, 2025, as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Day. The practical impact is symbolic and educational, aimed at raising public awareness, reinforcing support for survivor services, and encouraging continued investment in domestic violence prevention and response systems.
The overall sentiment reflected in the resolution is strongly supportive and solemn. The measure presents domestic violence as a serious statewide problem requiring public attention, prevention, and sustained resources, and it praises advocates and service providers for their work. Because there were no recorded committee transcripts or votes provided, there is no evidence of opposition in the available record, and the bill appears to have been introduced as a consensus memorialization.
No direct points of contention are shown in the available materials, but the resolution’s emphasis suggests likely policy concerns around funding, service capacity, and prevention strategy. The text specifically notes unmet service requests and the need for New York to invest more in survivor supports, which may imply debate over resource allocation and state responsibility. It also highlights systemic racism and inequities as contributors to domestic violence, indicating that the bill’s framing is broad and equity-focused, though no recorded objections or amendments are available.