QUEENS BOROUGH PRESIDENT LEE, DISTRICT ATTORNEY KATZ MESSAGE TO SURVIVORS DURING “STAY AT HOME” URGE: Help Remains Available for Victims and Survivors

USANEWSONLINE.COM DESK, QUEENS, NY – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee affirmed the borough’s unwavering commitment to protecting and serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child and elder abuse, in light of the urge for all non-essential workers and their families to “Stay At Home” during the rapidly-developing COVID-19 situation:

“Social distancing and isolation doesn’t mean help is not ready and available,” said Borough President LEE.  “Essential government and frontline workers are still operational. If you’re afraid that your limited options are further constrained by the current call to Stay At Home, know this: we know you’re there, and when you are ready, essential services in Queens County remain live and ready today to assist you. Just call or reach help online.”

“Queens has one, simple, united message for those out there perpetuating a scourge as heinous as the abuse of a partner, child or elder: you will be arrested and you will be prosecuted,” said District Attorney KATZ. “Our message to survivors is equally as simple: Help is available to all who need it, and it will remain available regardless of the developments of COVID-19.”

Phone numbers and more:

• NYC 24-Hour Hotline for Domestic Violence Survivors: 800-621-HOPE (4673)
• Queens Family Justice Center: 718-575-4545 (M-F 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
• Safe Horizon one-on-one online chat system: www.safehorizon.org/safechat  (M-F 1:00 – 6:00 PM)
• Safe Horizon 24-Hour Hotline for all crimes, including support for family members of homicide victims: 866-689-HELP (4357)
• Safe Horizon 24-Hour Hotline for Rape and Sexual Assault: 212-227-3000
• NYC’s 311
• In an emergency, call 911. Press Release.