Tag: fvpc

(BINGHAMTON, NY) – October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated tradition to raising awareness, supporting survivors, and honoring the lives impacted by domestic violence. On Purple Thursday, October 16, 2025, the Broome County Family Violence Prevention Council invites the community to join us in wearing purple, the color of courage, survival, honor, and hope.

Purple Thursday is more than just a day. It is a powerful statement of solidarity with survivors and a reminder that domestic violence affects individuals and families across every community. By wearing purple, we send a clear message: domestic violence has no place in our homes, schools, or neighborhoods.

We encourage everyone to stand with us by wearing purple on Purple Thursday, sharing photos on social media with the hashtag #PurpleThursday, and starting conversations that can lead to change.

The Broome County Family Violence Prevention Council will announce its annual campaign to bring awareness to the issue of Domestic Violence at a press conference on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 11:30am on the 6^th floor of the County Office Building (60 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY 13901).

For more information about Domestic Violence Awareness Month or how to get involved, please visit https://broomecountyny.gov/fvpc.

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) – In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month this April, Broome County’s professional agencies came together to highlight the community’s longstanding efforts to strengthen families and reduce child abuse and neglect. The Family Violence Prevention Council is a collective agency of dedicated partners celebrating 40 years of providing education, resources, and support to professionals and community members. The Council has advocated for policy changes, developed local protocols, and played a key role in numerous statewide initiatives focused on protecting children, elders, and families.

Throughout April, the Council will host several initiatives to engage the community in child abuse prevention efforts, including:

• Kindergarten Kits for Families – More than 2,250 families registering a first-time student in local schools will receive prevention materials focused on childhood health, community resources, and wellness tools. These kits are made possible through sponsorships from community partners and local agencies, ensuring they are free for families.
• 2025 Awareness Billboard – With continued generous support from Park Outdoor, the Council is debuting a digital billboard campaign for the fourth consecutive year. This year’s theme, “Celebrating 40 Years of Building Safe Homes,” was illustrated by local youth.
• 2^nd Annual Come and Play Day – On April 24, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oakdale Commons, families can enjoy a free interactive event featuring over 35 local agencies providing hands-on activities for children and valuable resources for caregivers. The event will include a recognition ceremony for participants in the 2^nd Annual Art Contest at 10:30 a.m. in center court, followed by a dance part with local mascots at 12 p.m.

The Council recognizes a need for reporting child abuse to authorities to ensure the safety of children in vulnerable situations. Because of this belief, it provides Broome County professionals with the updated NYS Mandated Reporter Training in Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Maltreatment. New York State has required all Mandated Reporters to complete this training by April 1, 2025. Agencies in need of this training are encouraged to contact the Council for more information.

The Family Violence Prevention Council will approach its work this year using the theme of “overcoming challenges.” Each year the Council, under the guidance of its Chair, adopts a meaningful theme that will guide the work of the committees and represent the Chair’s vision for their tenure.

Appointed as Chair for 2023 is Cheryl Sullivan, Esq. Cheryl Sullivan is the Chief Assistant County Attorney for Broome County.  She is the supervising attorney in the Family Court Unit and has been prosecuting cases regarding juvenile delinquents and persons in need of supervision.

Cheryl serves on several local multidisciplinary committees regarding issues and services related to children and families in Broome County. Cheryl’s dedication to and belief in a youth’s ability to achieve success through service provision and therapeutic intervention is the mainstay of her work. Cheryl is the co-chair of the Council’s Sexually Aggressive Youth Intervention Team (SAYIT) which provides education and guidance to professionals working with youth impacted by illegal and problematic sexual behaviors.

Cheryl developed the theme “Overcoming Challenges” by reflecting on the work of the Council and its commitment to serving those affected by child abuse, elder abuse, and domestic violence. The Council’s dedication to “Overcoming Challenges” is seen in its multidisciplinary case reviews, training opportunities, and educational outreach throughout the year. With new challenges throughout the community in recent years, FVPC and providers in the community have adapted to continue finding solutions to help those in need.

May is National Older American’s Month and the Elder Abuse Prevention committee has planned a special event for professionals serving seniors in Broome and surrounding counties. The virtual event is planned for May 20, 2021 from 9:00am- 10:30am.

Kicking off the morning will be Amie Reilly, Security /BSA Compliance Officer at Visions Federal Credit Union. Amie will be sharing current scams targeted the senior community- including stimulus scams, work from home scams, and vaccine scams.

Local attorney, Greg S. Catarella will be presenting new power of attorney laws going into effect on June 13, 2021. These laws will impact consumers, families, and service providers.

Emily Burns, the Director of Specialized Services at Department of Social Services, will discuss the Adult Protective Services unit and how it can be used to help older adults who are being victimized or at risk of victimization in the community.

Lisa Schuhle, Director of Office for Aging at Broome County, will discuss how service providers and community agencies can ensure their new Covid-19 policies and strategies are age friendly and inclusive to the senior community.

Broome County’s Family Violence Prevention Council is committed to addressing child abuse, domestic violence, and elder abuse. One of its most active and dedicated committees is the Elder Abuse Prevention committee who is the host for this event for professionals. This committee is dedicated to identifying and reporting elder abuse as well as educating local professionals in current regulations impacting the local senior community.

Education is key to preventing elder abuse in Broome County. To register for this training, email Kristin at Kristin.Beylo@BroomeCounty.us or call at 607-778-2153.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which first began in 1981 as a Day of Unity created by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Domestic violence affects millions of individuals around the world, of every race, religion, culture, and status. In Broome County, the Family Violence Prevention Council connects victims, survivors, allies, and leaders to create a united front against domestic violence in our community.

During the month of October, join the Broome County Family Violence Prevention Council in asking: What is the #1Thing we can do to end domestic violence in our community? Consider decorating your window in purple and sharing words of inspiration. This show of support could remind a victim there is help, make a survivor feel seen in their community, and provides reassurance to local leaders that we continue to appreciate their diligent work in addressing domestic violence in our community. 
    
Please join the Broome County Family Violence Prevention Council, Crime Victims Assistance Center, and RISE on October 21, 2020 from 8:00 – 9:00 PM, as we welcome all members of our community to participate in a Virtual Town Hall. This informative community discussion will be led by your questions submitted before and during the event. While the conversation will be adult themed, it will provide parents with important information that their teenagers and young adults need to know regarding domestic violence and dating safety. 

As we process our community’s recent domestic violence incidents, please remember that help and support are available. 

Broome County’s Family Violence Prevention Council serves as a collaborative arena for local change- it creates and supports meaningful community connections to reduce the incidents and severity of domestic violence in Broome County. 

Our Council’s theme for 2020 is “Connecting for a Safer Broome County.” In our current climate, it can feel difficult to connect with those who can support our safety- but help is available. The Family Violence Prevention Council supports the work of Crime Victims Assistance Center and RISE.

Crime Victims Assistance Center and RISE are more accessible than ever- offering chat technology through their websites, texting, and telephone sessions. The RISE Shelter is open and operating using the most current health and safety standards. 

These professional supports are for anyone impacted by domestic violence. These agencies have advocates ready to help individuals or families in creating individualized, comprehensive, and realistic plans that support safety.

Crime Victims Assistance Center:    

24/7 Crisis Line: (607) 722-4256        

Text: (607) 725-8196              

Office: (607) 723-3200            

Home

RISE: 

24/7 Hotline: (607) 754-4340/ 1-877-754-4340    

Office: (607) 748-7453

Online Chat: http://rise-ny.org/

Family Violence Prevention Council 

(607) 778-2153