Governor Hochul proclaims October Domestic Violence Awareness month in NY

ALBANY, N.Y. – On Saturday Governor Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and announced the launch of ‘Start the Conversation,’ a multi-media campaign aimed at helping New Yorkers raise this critical issue with people in their lives and communities.

In addition to the campaign, the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence also unveiled the winning license plate design created in partnership with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles in honor of the agency’s 30th anniversary.

“Our state has come a long way since the days when my mother advocated for the survivors of domestic violence, but there is still much work to be done in helping to put an end to the abuse and suffering that far too many New Yorkers have endured over the years,” Governor Hochul said. “Throughout October, we are reminded of the need to continue evolving our approach to domestic and gender-based violence so that we can best meet the needs of survivors and their families.”

Governor Hochul also directed the Fairport Lift Bridge, over the Erie Canal, to be illuminated purple on Saturday to mark the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

License plates can be purchased beginning Wednesday, Oct. 5, here. Revenue from the plates will support OPDV’s continued work to end gender-based violence through programming and public awareness.