Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking

 

Domestic violence can happen in any home, across all economic ranges.  Whether one lives in a mansion or a small apartment, rich or barely making ends meet, any age, anyone, of any gender, can be a victim of abuse.  It is important to get help to stop the violence and to protect yourself and if you have children, to protect them.  No one ever deserves to be abused and you cannot cause anyone to abuse you.  The onus is on the abuser.  It is their problem, and you need to make yourself and your family safe.

Important resources to best understand the often difficult to discuss topic are:

 

Westchester County takes any abuse seriously and works diligently to ensure the abuser does not repeat abusive behavior while also ensuring that the victim receives the any needed assistance.  To learn more: https://porbation.westchestergov.com/domestic-violence

 

Resources available include a safe place to go to, confidential and free supportive services and legal assistance

Elder abuse:  https://www.westchesterda.net/crime-prevention/elder-abuse

 

The District Attorney’s Office Elder Abuse Unit can be reached at (914) 995-3000 or after hours on their elder abuse help line at (914) 995-1940

 

If you believe you, your children, a loved one, a family member or neighbor is the victim of abuse, do not hesitate to notify the Croton on Hudson Police department.  For emergencies, dial 911.  Non-emergency calls: 914-271-5177

 

Officers are trained to assist and very much want to help.  Police will always immediately respond in the moment of the abuse but will also answer any questions and address any of your concerns at any time.  

 

An abuser will often make a victim feel powerless and that no one will believe them if they report abuse.  You are not powerless.  The Croton on Hudson police department is here to help.

 

 

The police can help you:

The courts can help you:

 

New York Law States; “If you are the victim of domestic violence, you may request that the officer assist in providing for your safety and that of your children, including providing information on how to obtain a temporary order of protection. You may also request that the officer assist you in obtaining your essential personal effects and locating and taking you, or assist in making arrangements to take you, and your children to a safe place within such officer's jurisdiction, including but not limited to a domestic violence program, a family member's or a friend's residence, or a similar place of safety. When the officer's jurisdiction is more than a single county, you may ask the officer to take you or make arrangements to take you and your children to a place of safety in the county where the incident occurred. If you or your children are in need of medical treatment, you have the right to request that the officer assist you in obtaining such medical treatment. You may request a copy of any incident reports at no cost from the law enforcement agency.” “You have the right to seek legal counsel of your own choosing and if you proceed in family court and if it is determined that you cannot afford and attorney, one must be appointed to represent you without cost to you. You may ask the district attorney or a law enforcement officer to file a criminal complaint. You have the right to have your petition and request for an order of protection filed on the same day you appear in court, and such request must be heard that same day or the next day court is in session. Either court may issue an order of protection from conduct constituting a family offense which could include, among other provisions, an order for the respondent or defendant to stay away from you and your children. The family court may also order the payment of temporary child support and award temporary custody of your children. If the family court is not in session, you may seek immediate assistance from the criminal court in obtaining an order of protection. The forms you need to obtain for an order of protection are available from the family court and local criminal court. The resources available in this community for information relating to domestic violence, treatment of injuries, and places of safety and shelters can be accessed.”

 

Human trafficking can happen in anywhere.  It is not just a crime in “other places.”  Victims include forced laborers and forced sex workers.  Some are not aware they are victims but are told by those with control over them that they must pay off a debt. No one has the right to force anyone to work or have sex to pay off a debt.

If you believe you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, help is available. 

Helpful resources to recognize the signs that someone might be a victim of human trafficking and resources to receive assistance include: