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The program, which began in May 2014, ensures victims receive ongoing support and play meaningful roles in the criminal justice system, according them due dignity and respect. Zugibe explained "Once a victim escapes a violent situation, his or her ordeal is not over...In the months that follow, there are physical, mental, financial and legal concerns that must be addressed.
Zugibe made the announcement with County Executive Ed Day, N.Y. State Senatory William Larkin, and Haverstraw Supervisor Howard T. Phillips Jr.
Senator Larkin made the program possible through a $75,000 grant. Larkin's district includes Stony Point and Haverstraw.
The grants allowed the District Attorney's Office Special Victims Unit to hire veteran Town of Haverstraw police detective Eleuterio Collazo. Collazo's main responsibilities are: (1) victim outreach and, (2) evidence-based prosecution, which includes case review and the training of local law enforcement in best practices.
Since the start of the program, Detective Collazo has managed 221 cases and performed 104 home visits. Of those visits, 27 were made to Spanish-speaking homes. Sixty-two of the individuals visited by Detective Collazo had Orders of Protection in their favor.
The program provided or offered services to 255 victims of domestic violence since it began. Collazo also receives up to three phone calls each week from victims who would otherwise have no direct contact in law enforcement
Another important program hire was Dr. Richard King, a medical doctor and sworn detective at the District Attorney's Office. His presence at many of the home visits provides Detective Collazo and prosecutors deep insight into a victim's physical and emotional state.
The encouraging results of the program have prompted Zugibe to seek additional state funding to enhance and expand services for victims of domestic violence throughout Rockland County. Senator Larkin said "It is my hope that we can build on the success of this program and expand it to reach more victims in Rockland County,""It's a moral obligation of our government to do whatever it can to protect and support victims, be it a child, a spouse or a senior," said County Executive Ed Day.
The success of the pilot program is encouraging, as there is a long history of difficulty in prosecuting such cases.
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