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Organizations that provide domestic violence resources in the Hudson Valley say the problem is getting worse.
Leaders with the Center for Safety & Change in Rockland County say the need for their services is going up.
"It's getting worse. We've seen an increase in hotline calls, we've seen an increase in people needing to flee," says Elizabeth Santiago, CEO of the Center for Safety & Change.
Over in Westchester County, organizations are tracking a similar trend.
"There has been an increase in the complexity of our cases. There has been a lot of overlap between people who are facing economic strain, housing instability, mental health challenges," says Laurena Mora, with the organization My Sisters' Place.
Leaders with both organizations tell News 12 that they are concerned about the potential impact of the government shutdown in Washington.
"On [Oct. 1], we got notice from two of our program managers that they were already furloughed," says Mora.
"We have contracts that need to be executed that now will be delayed," Santiago explains.
For victims and survivors, these services are crucial. Vanessa Petrossian knows firsthand.
"Without these resources,, I wouldn't be here talking to you today," says Petrossian, who is a survivor.
If you or someone you know needs help, there are resources available 24/7 around the Hudson Valley and the country.
Some of them are listed here:
https://www.centerforsafetyandchange.org/
You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline anytime at 1-800-799-SAFE.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Events are being held throughout the month, including the 'Shine the Light: A Solidarity Walk' on Oct. 16. That is in honor and memory of domestic violence victims and survivors.
