Senator Murphy recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month with $5k grant for Hope's Door

Hawthorne, NY - While anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, there is a disproportionate impact on women. According to the Department of Justice, more than three women a day in the United States are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends. Women who have experienced domestic violence are 80% more likely to have a stroke, 70% more likely to have heart disease, 60% more likely to have asthma and 70% more likely to drink heavily than women who have not experienced intimate partner violence.

Appalled by these sobering statistics, Senator Terrence Murphy obtained a $5,000 grant for Hope's Door and their Next Step Program. The program fosters the economic empowerment and self-sufficiency of survivors of domestic violence, by identifying their barriers to safety and independence and implementing strategies to overcome those barriers.

"Hope's Door has done incredible work in supporting victims of domestic violence, helping them live freely and independently, away from the cruelties associated with abuse," said Senator Murphy. "It is essential that Hope's Door continues to receive our support so they can provide victims with the comfort and support they need to rebuild their lives."

CarlLa Horton, M.P.A., Executive Director for Hope's Door stated, "Hope's Door is very grateful to New York State Senator Terrence Murphy for securing a $5,000 grant for the Next Step Economic Empowerment Program at Hope's Door. Victims of domestic violence face enormous financial barriers when they flee their homes for safety. Ninety-eight percent of domestic violence victims cite lack of employment and financial insecurity as barriers to leaving an abusive relationship. Too often victims must choose between staying in an abusive relationship or facing dire economic hardship when leaving. Thanks to the support of State Senator Murphy and other supporters, we will be able to continue helping victims learn job skills and achieve their dreams of independence."

Hope's Door seeks to end domestic violence and to empower victims to achieve safety, independence, and healing from the trauma of abuse. The Junior League of Northern Westchester, with support from the criminal justice and interfaith community, founded the Northern Westchester Shelter in 1980. Initially, the organization operated a crisis hotline and support services out of the Peekskill YWCA while survivors found safety in the homes of families recruited through the interfaith community.

Within a few years, the emergency shelter program found a home in Pleasantville and program services expanded to meet the needs of survivors. In 1997, the organization purchased and renovated a 16-bed residence. Over the next ten years, as they continued to shelter survivors and enhance services for parents and their children, the Northern Westchester Shelter also focused on teen dating abuse and breaking the intergenerational cycle of abuse. Enhancing the scope of its mission and the increased availability of services necessitated the name change to Hope's Door in 2009.