Downstate Continues to Shine a Light on Domestic Violence
By Office of The President | Oct 24, 2022
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, over 10 million adults experience domestic violence in the United States each year. The purpose of Domestic Violence Awareness Month is to mourn those lost to abuse, celebrate survivors, and network for change. Recognition events occur each year in October to connect advocates working to end violence within the home.
Among the hidden challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic is an alarming rise in domestic violence and intimate partner violence. According to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, domestic violence cases increased by 25-33 percent globally in 2020, and COVID-19 pandemic trends regarding DV are emerging globally.
This year’s program, which included the annual domestic violence awareness photo-op, was attended by over 50 individuals. Honorable Monique Chandler-Waterman, New York State Representative, AD 58, served as the guest speaker. Keydron K. Guinn, Ph.D., MA, MBA, chief of staff and senior vice president, delivered welcome remarks on behalf of President Riley. Sharon Codner-Walker, MDiv, CBCC, BPS, Pastoral Care & Volunteer Services director, gave a moving invocation about the importance of caring for those among us who may be experiencing domestic violence. Nicole Sharpe, ADA Ethics analyst here at Downstate, shared her experience of losing her mother to domestic violence.
This summer alone saw several deaths attributed to domestic violence. From the killing of 20-year-old Azsia Johnson, shot while walking with her three-month-old baby on the Upper East Side, the brutal stabbing and murder of Christina Yuna Lee, killed by a man who stalked her from the street into her Chinatown apartment, to the murder of the 18-year-old Damaris Maravilla by her boyfriend in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, incidents of abuse, assault, and domestic violence against survivors of color have increased during the pandemic.
SUNY Downstate stands in solidarity with supporters, activists, and legislators to effect change, using this gathering to advocate for more protection, celebrate survivors, and mourn those who have lost their lives to domestic violence.
Thank you to our Human Resources Department team, including Jamie Grecco, senior associate vice president; Nicole Sharpe, ADA Ethics analyst; Magda Alliancin, Ed.D., CEAP, EAP program manager; and all those in Downstate working on this critical messaging and vital work on domestic violence awareness here at Downstate and throughout the community.
