NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – Domestic violence cases are on the rise across New York State and -- particularly New York City -- according to a newly released analysis by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
A surge of 8.5% in domestic violence cases within New York City and a slightly higher 8.7% increase across the state, represented the rise in cases from 2019 to 2022, according to the report.
"Domestic violence has a devastating effect on individuals and families, often causing permanent physical injury and emotional trauma,” DiNapoli said in a statement. “With increased numbers of domestic violence victims across the state over the past three years, it's important to know how to get help and how to identify signs of trouble. State and local agencies also must redouble their efforts to make seeking help and receiving services as easy as possible for victims."
Around 70% of domestic violence survivors, both in New York City and the rest of the state, saw violent acts from their partner.
One in four women and one in 10 men in the U.S. have experienced sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Eight in 10 of these survivors were women. The disparities in gender violence rates were apparent with women accounting for 54% of domestic homicide victims—a rate nearly five times greater than for non-domestic homicides.
Victims of domestic homicide were more often from the Black community compared to other racial or ethnic categories, making up 41% of such cases, while White victims accounted for 28%, and Hispanic victims for 22%.
In 2022, the Division of Criminal Justice Services reported 39,224 domestic violence survivors in New York City—a sharp increase of 4,297 or 12% from the previous year.
In the rest of the state, 49,598 survivors were reported, marking an increase of 766 or 2% from 2021.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Mayor Eric Adams declared that City Hall and several municipal buildings and iconic sites across the city has been illuminated purple. This marks the 10th annual "NYC Go Purple Day.”
"Our administration is addressing domestic and gender-based violence through prevention and intervention efforts across city agencies,” Adams said. “An integral part of our efforts involves spreading awareness of domestic violence and the resources available to survivors throughout the five boroughs. I invite all New Yorkers to join me during Domestic Violence Awareness Month and let survivors know they are never alone."