Advocates often say that domestic violence thrives in silence. Three back-to-back, separate cases within days have thrust the crisis into the public eye. 

Two women were abducted last week at knifepoint – one in Brentwood on Long Island and the other in an incident that ended in the Town of Woodbury in Orange County. 

On Monday, a man accused of bludgeoning his girlfriend with a hammer while she showered at a hotel in West Nyack was arrested after a police pursuit in Newburgh.  

Advocates say the cases highlight the dangers of domestic violence for victims, law enforcement and the community. 

“We are certainly seeing an increase of more public displays of violence by abusive partners,” said Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier, the director for Fearless. “It has a ripple effect on communities.” 

On Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a package of five domestic violence bills into law to protect the confidentiality of victims and strip domestic abusers of their rights to carry a firearm. 

Keith Scott, with the Family and Children’s Association on Long Island, praises the progress but says much more work still needs to be done when it comes to domestic violence. 

“There’s a lot going on in our society. There’s a lot of stress, a lot of anxiety,” said Scott. “If someone is already prone to being abusive, this might make them act out more.” 

If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner abuse – help is available by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE. 

There's also help by calling the Nassau County 24/7 hotline at 516-542-0404 or by calling Fearless! in Orange County at 845-562-5365.