The New York City Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee 2024 Annual Report is a sobering reminder that New York City is far from the safest big city for victims of intimate partner violence. Last year, domestic violence homicides increased by 29% citywide, and this year’s report shows little change.
Domestic violence homicides have remained stable – and alarmingly high – for decades.
Year after year, the same vulnerable populations, Black and Latina women, living in the same marginalized communities – parts of the Bronx and Brooklyn, have unfairly borne the weight of New York’s shadow epidemic – domestic violence.
While domestic violence rates remain unchanged, robust investment in upstream solutions and mitigation efforts has led to significant reductions in five of seven categories of major crime – felony assault and grand larceny of motor vehicle. According to the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), domestic violence felony assaults are responsible for at least 40% of the increase in felony assaults citywide.
The sad reality is this: Black and Latina women in parts of Brooklyn and the Bronx are more likely to be killed by an intimate partner than women of any other race in any other part of the city. More than 60% of those murdered by an intimate partner had no prior contact with a municipal institution, such as the law enforcement, the shelter system, the courts or a city or state agency. This highlights a systemic and long-term failure to provide accessible pathways to safety and support for survivors.
Every one of these deaths could have been prevented.
Funding for domestic violence, which has largely focused on shelter and related services, should be expanded to include strategic investments in youth violence prevention and trauma-informed accountability work with people who have caused harm and comprehensive economic justice initiatives for survivors and their families.
Safe shelter and housing for survivors is critical, which is why URI has begun constructing supportive housing for survivors as well. URI’s vision is clear: a future where no survivor is left behind, and no life is lost to intimate partner violence. We urge the City to make strategic investments in youth violence prevention and trauma-informed accountability work with people who have caused harm and comprehensive economic justice initiatives for survivors and their families. Together, we have the knowledge and tools to end this crisis—and URI is proud to lead the way.
