ALBANY, N.Y. (WKBW) — On Friday, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a new text program and confidential online service have been added to New York State's existing domestic violence hotline.
The additional tools are designed to help people experiencing domestic violence to get the help they need. Their introduction comes as the state's domestic violence hotline is experiencing a spike in calls. It has received 30% more calls this April than last year. Calls increased 18% from February to March of this year. New York State Police are also reporting an increase in domestic violence incident calls.
Starting now, here are the ways you can get help if you are experiencing domestic violence:
- Text 844-997-2121
- Chat online at https://opdv.ny.gov/
- Call 1-800-942-6906
Just like the call-in hotline, the text and online chat services are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by trained members of the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence.
