By Hank Russell
Suffolk County law enforcement agencies received more than $2 million in funding from the state’s $23 million 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.
As part of the initiative, Suffolk will receive a total of $2,237,926, which will be distributed by the state Division of Criminal Justice Services. The money will go to the following agencies:
- Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office: $721,375
- Suffolk County Police Department: $560,000
- Suffolk County Probation Department: $167,248
- Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office: $98,612
- Long Island Against Domestic Violence: $690,691
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, according to the governor’s office. 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 responses, according to the governor’s office.
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.
“Every survivor deserves to feel safe, supported, and heard,” Governor Kathy 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.”
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.”
“STRIVE represents what is possible when we center survivors and work together across systems,” said Kelli Nicholas Owens, the executive director for the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence. “This initiative helps ensure survivors are met with a coordinated, trauma-informed response that prioritizes their safety and autonomy.”
“For too long, siloed services have contributed to the fraying of services and support for survivors of domestic violence,” said Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden. “The expansion of STRIVE affords greater financial and community resources that strengthen protections and outcomes for survivors across our state.”
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.”