The Saratogian – Saratoga County recognizes October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month
By Guest
PUBLISHED: October 6, 2024 at 5:35 a.m.
BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. — Saratoga County is recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month at the request of Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen.
According to a press release, each year, Heggen and her office call attention to Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, reminding residents the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office remains committed to being an advocate for victims of domestic violence and to prosecuting domestic violence offenders.
During October, the District Attorney’s Office is sponsoring a collection of personal care items in recognition of the ongoing need for support of domestic violence victims and those who serve them. Suggested items include unopened bottles of shampoo and conditioner, body soap, lotion, sanitary products, hair accessories, and nail products.
All items collected will be donated to domestic violence programs in Saratoga County to help survivors of domestic violence. Those wishing to contribute to the collection drive, may bring items to the District Attorney’s Office Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 25 West High St., Building 4, Ballston Spa, N.Y. until Oct. 28.
Attorneys within the Special Victims Unit (SVU) specialize in prosecuting domestic violence cases and working with victims of domestic violence. In addition, the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office also supports victims through the work of Crime Victim Specialists in the Crime Victim Unit.
“The Assistant District Attorneys assigned to the Special Victims’ Unit in our office work daily to navigate the challenging and unique aspects of criminal cases that involve family members who are victims and defendants,” Heggen said in the release. “Their training, experience and relationships with other agencies and programs focused on domestic violence issues come together to achieve a fair and just result for all involved parties.”
Heggen also stated, “The prevalence of domestic violence is such that everyone knows someone impacted by domestic violence. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please don’t hesitate to seek help.”
To manage the volume of cases, local courts in the County have set specific times for domestic violence cases. Prosecutors from the DA’s Special Victims’ Unit work collaboratively with the local court and the parties involved as the case navigates through the court system. Some cases are also heard in the Integrated Domestic Violence Court part of the Saratoga County Family Court.
Prosecutors and victim specialists may also refer victims to support and advocacy agencies for counseling, shelter, and assistance. Victim specialists are available at the District Attorney’s office at (518) 885-2263, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors passed Resolution 237 of 2024 proclaiming October 2024 as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” in Saratoga County during its September Board Meeting at the request of Heggen. To read the resolution, visit the Board Meetings page on the Saratoga County website.
For more information call the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office at (518) 885-2263.
