Governor Hochul’s Cabinet Members highlight safety and support proposals for crime victims
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WBNG) — On Wednesday, several community organizations attend a presentation from the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and the New York State Office of Victim Services highlighting proposals from Governor Kathy Hochuls’s FY 2026 State Budget.
Those in attendance learned more about upcoming investments to improve safety and support for victims and survivors of crime and gender-based violence.
One proposal looks to expand the availability of forensic rape exams, helping victims seek both medical assistance and legal action if they choose to pursue it.
”You shouldn’t have to travel to get a forensic rape exam across the state of New York,” said Executive Director of the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Kelli Owens. “We understand that hospitals have a lot on their plate, but if you’re a rape survivor, you should be able to walk into any hospital and get a forensic exam, and that’s a priority for the Governor.”
While homicides and shootings with injury are down 23% over the past year, Director of the Office of Victim Services Bea Hanson said many New Yorkers believe public safety is at an all-time low.
”What we’re trying to contend with is all of media chatter and chatter that people hear about ‘there’s violence that’s happening, and of course, violence continues to happen and we’ll never really end violence, but we’re seeing real decreases to levels we haven’t seen in a very long time, and we want to make sure that message gets out,” said Hanson.
Both offices travel around New York, speaking with boots-on-the-ground stakeholders who work with crime victims daily.
”The relationship that we have with local victims assistance centers that we fund is very critical because that’s how we find out what’s working and what’s not, and that’s why we make the changes that we’re able to make,” said Hanson.
Other topics addressed in Wednesday’s presentation included increasing funding for child advocacy centers and rape crisis centers, as well as the creation of a mass violence crisis response team.
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