Hochul announces record $23M to strengthen law enforcement response to domestic violence & better support survivors

Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul 

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a record-level investment of $23 million for the statewide targeted reductions in intimate partner violence (STRIVE) initiative, which doubles the number of participating police departments and significantly expands New York’s efforts to respond to and prevent domestic violence, hold individuals who cause harm accountable for their behavior, and improve services and better support survivors.

“Every survivor deserves to feel safe, supported and heard,” Hochul said. “Through STRIVE, we are strengthening coordination across the justice system, expanding access to critical services, and giving local partners the resources they need to respond effectively to domestic violence. This investment reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting New Yorkers and preventing violence before it escalates.”

The second year of STRIVE funding builds on the initiative’s strong foundation, doubling participation to 42 police departments across 17 counties and increasing funded personnel to 110 full-time and 120 part-time positions. The grants also continue to support training and coordination among police departments and sheriffs’ offices, district attorneys’ offices, probation departments, and community-based service providers.

Launched to foster a strategic, data-informed response to intimate partner violence, STRIVE focuses on high-risk cases and emphasizes collaboration across agencies and organizations. In its first year, more than 1,200 public safety professionals were trained in evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches to domestic violence response.

With this second-year investment, participating jurisdictions will receive increased funding and flexibility to expand their programs and conduct localized training, ensuring strategies are tailored to community needs while maintaining a consistent, survivor-centered framework statewide.

Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, “STRIVE is strengthening how agencies work together to identify risk, intervene earlier, and respond with consistency across jurisdictions. This expanded investment allows us to build on proven strategies, support our local partners and ensure survivors are met with a coordinated, effective response.”

Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Executive Director Kelli Nicholas Owens said, “STRIVE represents what is possible when we center survivors and work together across systems. This initiative helps ensure survivors are met with a coordinated, trauma-informed response that prioritizes their safety and autonomy. Thank you, Gov. Hochul, for your continued investment and for reinforcing New York’s commitment to preventing intimate partner violence, holding those who cause harm accountable and building safer communities in every region across the state.”

Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said, “For too long, siloed services have contributed to the fraying of services and support for survivors of domestic violence. Under Gov. Kathy Hochul, New York state government is undertaking substantial transformation and has led smarter, more coordinated decisions and approaches to prevent domestic violence. The expansion of STRIVE affords greater financial and community resources that strengthen protections and outcomes for survivors across our state and, on behalf of the children and families that have been affected by domestic violence, OCFS thanks our sister agencies for this partnership.”

Office of Victim Services Director Bea Hanson said, “Survivors need support that is immediate, accessible and coordinated. STRIVE strengthens those connections at the local level, helping ensure individuals and families can access critical services while navigating some of the most difficult moments in their lives.”

The $23 million in funding will support police departments, sheriffs’ offices, district attorneys’ offices, probation departments, and victim service providers in the following local counties:

√ Chautauqua County: $970,907

√ Erie County: $2,673,123

√ Niagara County: $1,026,003