Governor Hochul Declares October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in New York

Directs State Landmarks to be Illuminated in Purple Tonight, October 6, to Honor Victims and Survivors

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With the safety of all New Yorkers a top priority, Governor Kathy Hochul today recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in New York, issuing a proclamation and directing State landmarks to be illuminated in purple tonight, October 6, in honor of those impacted by domestic violence. Governor Hochul has made nation-leading investments to increase safety and access to services for survivors, including, as part of the 2026 fiscal year state budget, critical reforms to discovery laws to help hold offenders accountable, increased funding for the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, and funding for the Survivors Access Financial Empowerment program.

“The work we are doing at the state level to combat domestic violence and support survivors is critical to ensuring New Yorkers can be safe in their own homes,” Governor Hochul said. “I’m committed to continuing to work on reduction efforts with our state agencies to end domestic violence in New York.”

Combatting Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

New York State’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline provides free, confidential support 24/7 and is available in most languages: 800-942-6906 (call), 844-997-2121 (text), or @opdv.ny.gov (chat).

Supporting survivors remains a top priority for Governor Hochul, seen through her commitment and record-level investments in combating domestic violence and expanding supportive resources. These efforts build on her $35 million state investment in 2024 to improve the public safety response to intimate partner abuse and domestic violence, and better address the needs of victims and survivors.

In this year’s FY26 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul secured historic investments and bold policy initiatives including:

Nearly $13 million, the first increase in a decade, for the 52 rape crisis centers across the state certified by the state Department of Health.
$3.8 million to increase the cap for funeral expenses for homicide victims from $6,000 to $12,000 and increase the compensation for scam victims.
Over $3.3 million to increase reimbursement rates for forensic exams and expand virtual forensic exam services in underserved areas.
Additionally, earlier this year, Governor Hochul signed into law essential changes that strengthen the state’s discovery laws, ensuring victims and survivors of domestic violence are protected and their abusers are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Executive Director Kelli Nicholas Owens said, “This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, OPDV is proud to strengthen our commitment to ensuring New York is a leader when it comes to combating gender-based violence and uplifting victims and survivors, with our first-ever Purple on the Plaza Ceremony. We are excited to bring together so many people and organizations that are instrumental to our work, but this day is really about the victims and survivors. We want them to know their well-being is always at the heart of what we do. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for your unwavering dedication to the safety of all New Yorkers, especially those we serve.”

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) is hosting Purple on the Plaza, a ceremony and vigil showing support for victims and survivors of gender-based violence. Purple on the Plaza will be held today, Monday, October 6, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza North Reflecting Pool in Albany, NY. Event speakers include OPDV Executive Director Kelli Nicholas Owens, and Joe Petito, father of domestic violence victim Gabby Petito. Musical performances include Albany High School’s Albanettes and Troubadours, and singers from Mohonasen High School.

The landmarks to be lit in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month: