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McMahon Unveils Plan to Target Rising Domestic Violence Rates

Staten Island, NYToday, District Attorney Candidate Michael McMahon stood with Yolanda
Rudich, the former head of the Special Victims Bureau under District Attorneys Bill Murphy and
Dan Donovan, to unveil his plan to target rising domestic violence victims rates in Staten Island.
Between 2009 and 2014, there was a 64% increase in domestic violence victims according to
the New York State Criminal Justice Services. McMahon has long been an advocate for victims
of domestic violence, having led the effort to bring a Child's Advocacy Center to Staten Island.
Moreover, as a member of Congress, McMahon secured federal dollars to expand the Staten
Island Violence Against Women Initiative to prosecute domestic violence offenders who refused
to pay child support.
"There is nothing as horrific, tragic, and dangerous as violence that occurs from those who are
in a position of trust an intimate partner, a parent, a child or other family member," said Mike
McMahon, candidate for District Attorney. "Far too many of Staten Island's most vulnerable do
not know what it means to feel safe in their own home. I refuse to accept that our criminal justice
system cannot do more to aid those in need. We must do all we can to protect our most
vulnerable. The number of domestic violence victims continues to rise and the District Attorney's
office has a responsibility to use every power and resource available to it to challenge this crisis,
which has been growing. That is why I am unveiling new policy proposals that will create a safer
space for victims to help establish trust with the office, and pursue new strategies and best
practices from around the country so that we can effectively stem the tide of these crimes."
McMahon outlined the following policies and proposals he will seek to enact and pursue if
elected as District Attorney:

Establish a Victims' Services Unit, which will assist domestic violence victims in
obtaining a range of services to survivors to give them the support they need to end the
cycle of violence. These services would include counseling, civil legal assistance for
immigration and family court matters, housing and HRA assistance, and economic
empowerment programs. The full weight of the office of District Attorney will be at their
disposal to push through red tape. Upon the opening of the Family Justice Center, the
unit will work with relevant programs at the Center.
Apply and pursue federal and state grants to bring resources and new
technologies to assist in the prosecution of domestic violence cases, especially
those that can assist in preventing cyber-harassment and stalking.
Whenever appropriate, the Bureau will work with a newly established Community
Partnership Unit on outreach, awareness, educational and training efforts in
Staten Island and beyond:

On a local level, it would involve forging strong relationships with community


stakeholders, community boards, civic organizations, tenant associations and
non-profit groups.
o On a city, state and national level this means enhancing partnerships with District
Attorneys beyond Staten Island and attending national conferences, seminars
and workshops to develop best practices and new innovative strategies to help
prevent domestic violence cases, protect victims in the tragic instances when
they do occur, and prosecute the abusers.
Review policies in the District Attorney's office to ensure victim's receive support
and information they need to come forward, feel safe, and be treated with dignity
by the justice system. ADAs will interview victims who have filed a complaint as soon
as possible in order to ensure the victim's safety and their trust so they will feel
comfortable and safe enough to cooperate and pursue justice against their abuser. It has
been proven that any delays could increase the chance of the assailant contacting the
victim first, thereby dramatically increasing the chances that the victim will be intimidated
and recant or refuse to pursue charges.
Each case will be handled by one dedicated ADA from intake until disposition in order
to build the necessary trust between the office and the victim to ensure the victim feels
comfortable and safe enough in seeking protection from their assailant, and file charges.
o

"As the former head of the Staten Island District Attorney's Special Victims Bureau, I cannot
emphasize enough how spot-on Mike McMahon's plan is," Yolanda Rudich, the former head
of the Staten Island District Attorney's Special Victims Bureau under former District
Attorneys Bill Murphy and Dan Donovan. "This comprehensive plan to protect the victim,
establish trust with the District Attorney's office, and use every resource available to prosecute
the assailants demonstrates that Mike not only best understands the office of District Attorney
but the potential the office possesses to ensure justice for all those who have been victims of
domestic violence."
McMahon has been a Staten Island trial lawyer for over 25 years, appearing in courts at all
levels throughout New York State. He previously served the people of Staten Island as a Civic
Association President, New York City Council Member, and Member of Congress, and currently
he is a Partner and Co-Chair of the Government Relations Practice Group at international law
firm
Herrick
Feinstein.
McMahon has announced endorsements previously from the New York State Court Officers
Association and the Association of Surrogates, Supreme Court Reporters, the Sergeants
Benevolent Association, the Uniformed Firefighters Association, the Uniformed Fire Officers
Association, the District Council of Carpenters, the Patrolmens Benevolent Association, the
Uniformed Sanitationmens Association, the Captains Endowment Association, the Lieutenants
Benevolent Association, the NYC Deputy Sheriffs, the Detectives Endowment Association, the
Fraternal Order of Police, the Bridge and Tunnel Officers Benevolent Association, the
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 726, and the United Federation of Teachers.

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