The Suffolk County Police Department responded to an incident in Kings Park where a man barricaded himself in a neighbor’s home after a domestic violence incident on Sunday. Thankfully, the female victim and her two young children were able to escape from the situation, thanks to another neighbor’s help. However, the incident brought up the concern in the rise of domestic violence situations across the county, which has risen 3.5 percent since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March.
“The coronavirus climate has created a challenge presented for people in domestic violence situations,” said county executive Steve Bellone during a Zoom press conference held on Monday, April 27. “Domestic violence is intolerable and the SCPD aggressively enforces it.”
In response to this, New York State has launched a new texting service for domestic violence victims, knowing that they might have difficulty actually placing a phone call. Texts can be sent to 844-997-2121. Suffolk County also has a number of resources, which can be accessed via the 311 call cen- ter or at www.suffolkcountyny.gov/crimes/hotlines. In emergency situations call 911.
In addition, those with mental health issues have been particularly affected by the current climate, Bellone added, stressing that resources are also available through the 311 call center, as well as the NYS Crisis text line and mental health and wellness peer support health center. DASH, the 24-hour, seven-days-a-week crisis center located in Hauppauge, is also still open.
