FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK, NY — ​Today Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch launch​ed the Domestic Violence Unit (DVU)—a new, dedicated NYPD division that will assign 450 ​specialized officers to investigate domestic violence cases, support survivors, and prevent future abuse. Officers will receive specialized, trauma-informed training provided by domestic violence organizations to enhance how domestic violence crime victims experience law enforcement engagement throughout the investigative process.

“The DVU represents the largest unit of its kind in the nation​,” said Sonia Ossorio, ​Executive Director of Womens Justice NOW. “This new unit is a powerful recognition that domestic violence is not a private matter—it’s a public safety crisis that demands expertise, coordination, and unwavering commitment.​ We commend Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch for this significant investment and commitment to enhancing NYPDs scope and skills in this major crime category.”

Nearly 40% of all felony assaults in New York City are linked to domestic violence, acccording to NYPD data. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, incidents have risen across the country, disproportionately impacting women of color, who are 2.4 times more likely to experience domestic abuse. The new DVU aims to address this crisis by streamlining investigations, reducing retraumatization of victims, and ensuring that offenders are held accountable.

“This is one of the most significant gender-based violence initiatives undertaken by New York City in three decades,” Ossorio said. “​We ​ will work with city leaders​ and the NYPD at every opportunity and in partnership to create the results our leaders are aiming to achieve.”

Women’s Justice NOW and it’s coalition partners meets with NYPD on a quarterly basis to share information, review data and strategize on law enforcement response to gender-based violence.

Media Contact:
[email protected] | (212) 627-9895