Opinion: Domestic violence services in New York City are underfunded and mismatched to communities most in need

As Domestic Violence Awareness Month draws to a close, the grim reality is that far too many survivors in New York City are being left without the support they desperately need. The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have intensified the crisis of domestic violence, yet the funding allocated to address this issue in the districts most affected continues to fall woefully short.

The Collective – a group of culturally specific gender justice organizations including the Korean American Family Service Center, Sakhi for South Asian Survivors, Violence Intervention Program, Womankind and Sauti Yetu – works on the frontline, addressing the needs of immigrant and BIPOC survivors of gender-based violence. We see the impact of this funding shortfall every day. Our organizations represent communities with unique challenges, often exacerbated by language barriers, immigration status, and cultural stigmas. But the city’s funding for domestic violence services is not meeting the urgency of the moment, particularly in the neighborhoods where it’s needed most.

The alarming rise in domestic violence reports

New York Police Department data tells the story clearly. In 2023, more than 102,000 domestic violence complaints were filed with the NYPD – up from 87,000 in 2019 before the pandemic hit. Though reports dipped during 2020 and 2021 as lockdown measures likely kept many survivors isolated at home, unable to seek help, the number of complaints surged to 121,000 in 2022. This escalation, surpassing even pre-pandemic levels, underscores the severity of the situation: domestic violence didn’t disappear during COVID-19 – it festered behind closed doors.

Roughly 60% of City Council districts now report more than 1,000 domestic violence cases annually. Some neighborhoods, such as East New York, the North Bronx, Soundview, Parkchester and the South Bronx, report over 3,500 complaints each year. These are the communities where the need is greatest, and yet funding allocations to combat domestic violence often don’t reflect this reality.

The funding gap

City Council members are provided with funds to support domestic violence services within their districts, with funding decisions often based on police data. However, stark inequities emerge when comparing the number of domestic violence complaints with the actual funding distributed to Council Members’ districts. Council Members representing neighborhoods in Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island represent areas with disproportionately high levels of domestic violence reports, yet the funding they receive does not align with the scope of the crisis. This mismatch is not just a funding issue – it’s a life-or-death issue for survivors who depend on these resources to escape violent situations.

Even more troubling, predominantly immigrant communities, such as Flushing in Queens and parts of southwest Brooklyn, are often underrepresented on the city’s map of domestic violence reports. This gap correlates with language barriers and cultural challenges that prevent survivors from accessing help. In our work at The Collective, we’ve seen firsthand how immigrant survivors face additional layers of difficulty in reporting violence, seeking protection, or accessing legal and social services. For these communities, culturally specific services are essential. Yet, the lack of adequate funding and resources means many survivors are left to navigate this dangerous terrain alone.

The added barrier of political rhetoric

As New York City heads into the next election season, anti-immigrant rhetoric is heightening fears among immigrant survivors, particularly those in BIPOC communities. Recent political discourse around migration trends into the U.S. and immigration policies is adding layers of uncertainty and fear. For immigrant survivors, even contemplating reaching out to service providers can feel risky. This rhetoric exacerbates their reluctance to seek help, driving them further into isolation and increasing their vulnerability to violence. Our city leaders must address how this political climate affects survivors and ensure that resources remain accessible regardless of background or immigration status.

What needs to change

The city must rethink how it allocates funding for domestic violence services. Police data alone is insufficient to capture the full picture of where support is most urgently needed. Many survivors, especially those in immigrant communities, avoid reporting abuse to law enforcement out of fear or mistrust. Relying solely on police reports risks underfunding critical services in the very communities that need them most.

We call on New York City’s elected officials to prioritize the following actions:

1. Allocate equitable funding based on need by increasing funding for culturally specific service providers, ensuring that language access and culturally competent care are prioritized across the city.
2. Create safe reporting options for survivors wary of law enforcement by establishing alternative support channels in community-based centers. These centers can provide reporting and support options without requiring survivors to engage directly with police.
3. Invest in long-term solutions that go beyond emergency services. Survivors need access to stable housing, legal support, mental health care, and economic opportunities to rebuild their lives after abuse. Without these supports, many survivors are forced to return to their abusers out of economic necessity.
4. Commit to protecting funding for immigrant and BIPOC communities, regardless of the prevailing political rhetoric. It is vital that survivors know they will receive support without fearing that immigration policies will interfere with their access to safety.

A call to action

New York City leaders must address this crisis with the urgency it demands. Survivors – particularly those in immigrant and BIPOC communities – are counting on the city to provide the resources they need to break free from cycles of violence and rebuild their lives. The Collective is ready to work alongside city officials to ensure that domestic violence services are adequately funded, equitably distributed, and accessible to all survivors, regardless of their background or where they live.