New York observes October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

ALBANY, NY- October has been recognized once again as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and New York State is touting its latest policies enacted with the FY 26 budget to support victims and support services.

“Domestic Violence Awareness Month reminds us that survivors deserve safety, services, and support without barriers,” said New York’s Office of Victims Services Director Bea Hanson.

Highlights include $13 million for all 52 rape crisis centers statewide (certified by Department of Health); $3.8 million increasing cap for funeral expenses for homicide victims from $6,000 to $12,000 (while also increasing compensation for scam victims); over $3.3 million to increase reimbursement rates for forensic exams and expand virtual forensic exam services in underserved areas; and a new law signed by Governor Hochul to strengthen the state’s discovery laws, ensuring victims and survivors of domestic violence are protected and their abusers are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

According to the office of Governor Kathy Hochul, supporting survivors remains one of her top priorites, seen through her commitment and record-level investments in combating domestic violence and expanding supportive resources.

These efforts build on her $35 million state investment in 2024 to improve the public safety response to intimate partner abuse and domestic violence, and better address the needs of victims and survivors.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month image.