About OPDV
About the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
The Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV), created in 1992, is the country’s only executive level state agency dedicated to the issue of domestic violence. It replaced the former Governor’s Commission on Domestic Violence established in 1983. Our mission is to improve New York State’s response to and prevention of domestic violence with the goal of enhancing the safety of all New Yorkers in their intimate and family relationships. OPDV’s primary office is located in Albany, New York, with a satellite office in New York City.
Our Role
OPDV has three primary areas of focus. We:
- advise the governor and legislature on policies and practices for the State;
- train NYS professionals from all areas about the intersection of domestic violence in their daily practice;
- serve as a resource regarding the issue of domestic violence by disseminating regular public awareness campaigns, publishing materials for use by non-profits and victims, distributing local assistance funds, and highlighting best practices in the field.
We Offer
Advice to the Governor and Legislature
OPDV advises the Governor and the Legislature on statewide domestic violence policy and legislation through:- the creation of model policies
- legislative proposals and review
- participation in inter-agency committees
- published reports
Training and Technical Assistance
Training and technical assistance are key components of a process promoting positive change in institutional responses to the problem of domestic violence. OPDV offers training and technical assistance to personnel working in the following arenas:
- Child Protective Services/Child Welfare
- Community Coordination
- Courts
- Criminal Justice
- Police
- Probation
- Parole
- Corrections
- Health care
- Legal services
- Mental health
- Social services
- Substance abuse
- Workplace
Public Education and Outreach
Educating the public about the nature and impact of domestic violence and New York State’s efforts to combat the problem is a priority for OPDV. Our public education initiatives include:
- public awareness campaigns, including posters, billboards, radio and television spots, and bus shelter and mall kiosks
- OPDV website
- Quarterly OPDV Bulletin
- Informational Guides on specific topics in the field
- Publication of the victim handbook Finding Safety and Support in multiple languages
- publication and dissemination of materials such as posters, brochures, palm cards, CD-ROMS, and videos
- technical assistance in the form of telephone contact, visits to communities, and review of policies and programs
- participation in community forums, wellness fairs, seminars and conferences