Using social media to attack domestic violence News

New York State senator José M. Serrano is using a new tool to combat domestic violence this month.

“Far too often victims of domestic violence are afraid to speak up and end up suffering in silence,” said Serrano, who represents parts of the upper Manhattan. In October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, he hopes to bring more attention to the old problem, using social media.

“Every day this month, I will be tweeting different facts, stories, articles and resources relating to domestic violence in an effort to spark a conversation and shine a light on the issue,” he said. Throughout the month, the hashtag #NYSpeakUp will flood his Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts, to raise awareness for victims and survivors of domestic violence.

In addition to “hashtaging” the issue, Serrano’s office will be providing direct services to individuals in need throughout the month of October. The Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence will be partnering with Serrano to host joint constituent hours in East Harlem and the South Bronx.

The Urban Justice Center’s Domestic Violence Project is also collaborating in the project by hosting a free legal clinic on Thursday, Oct. 22nd from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at 1916 Park Ave., Suite #202 (New York, NY 10037). The free one-on-one legal consultations will cover issues relating to domestic violence, child support, child custody/visitations and orders of protection.

“We have a responsibility to address the unfortunate reality of domestic violence and assist domestic violence survivors as they move forward with their lives,” Serrano said. “Please follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates and information about Domestic Violence and join my office in spreading the word about a problem that too often goes unmentioned. Let’s all use the hashtag #NYSpeakUp throughout this month and beyond to speak up and raise awareness for victims and survivors of domestic violence.”