10/16/2026
💜 October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month 💜
Addressing Domestic and Sexual Violence as a Public Health Crisis
TCWH Commissioner Jennie Sutcliffe stated, “TCWH recognizes domestic violence and sexual assault as a public health crisis, causing negative impacts on a person’s physical and mental well-being. Preventing domestic and sexual violence requires us as a community to take a public health approach, looking at strategies and actions to take across individual, relational, community, and societal levels. Sexual violence is preventable, and meaningful prevention requires a community response: clear consent, active bystanders, survivor-centered support, and accountability for those who cause harm.”
In Tompkins County, the Advocacy Center of Tompkins County provides domestic and sexual violence services. In 2025, the Advocacy Center served 592 adult survivors of domestic violence and received 1,738 calls to their hotline (607-277-5000).
This year, the Advocacy Center’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month theme is oriented towards support. Claire Hansen, Community Educator at the Advocacy Center stated, “You deserve care and community. It is just as important to think about the self-care that exists one month, one year, or several years down the road as it is to think about the healing that takes place immediately after a crisis.”
Hansen continued, “We are here to support survivors of domestic violence, wherever they may be in their journey. It is essential that the Advocacy Center, as an agency, and Tompkins County, as a community, demonstrate complete support for those who are experiencing violence and harm. The power of community cannot be understated. Everyone deserves safe, healthy relationships. When you are in need, or when you have questions about how to support someone, call the Advocacy Center’s 24-Hour Hotline at 607-277-5000 (dial 911 in a safety emergency).”
Full press release link below 👇
Tompkins County, NY
