Domestic Violence Office
- What Services Are Available?
- What Can The Police Do?
- How Do I Know If I Am Being Or Have Been Abused?
The mission of the Town of Hamburg Domestic Violence Office is to facilitate a coordinated effort through crisis intervention advocacy and supportive referrals for spouses/families within the Town of Hamburg.
Domestic Abuse is a pattern of controlling and coercive behavior which can involve physical, sexual, economic, emotional and psychological abuse. It affects people who are married, divorced, living together, dating, and people from social, economic, racial, religious and ethnic groups. Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, but women are by far the most common victims.
The Town of Hamburg initiated the Domestic Violence Office due to the large and increasing number of domestic violence calls handled through the Town of Hamburg Police Department. A full-time Domestic Violence Advocate is now available to identity and recommend available services for victims of domestic violence. Funding for the office is provided through the town's federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program administered by the town Department of Community Development, Christopher Hull; Director. Due to the funding source, there is a limitation on which clientele can be assisted by the office. This office can only handle cases involving spouses (partners/couples) within the town.
Domestic Violence Advocate:
Judy L. Nieman
6100 South Park Ave.
Hamburg, NY 14075
Phone: 926-0057
Fax: 926-0059
What Services Are Available?
Shelters/Safe Homes:
Haven House Hotline: 884-6000
Advocacy/Support Services:
Haven House: 884-6002
Hamburg Domestic Violence Office: 926-0057
Crisis Services: 834-3131
What Can The Police Do?
All police policies and training programs are not exactly the same everywhere, and the polcie response may be different from one community to another. Within the Town of Hamburg there is a "no tolerance" policy for domestic violence. The police must make an arrest if they determine:
- you are a victim of a felony
- the abuser violated a condition of an "order of protection," after it was legally "served."
- you are a victim of a family offebs misdemeanor, unless you ask the officer not to arrest your abuser (Police still have the authority to arrest your abuser, even if you ask them not to.)
It is important to tell the police all you can about what happened and let them know if it has happened before. You should also let them know if you are afraid for your safety or in pain, even if your injuries aren't visible.
Town of Hamburg Police: 648-5111 or 911
How Do I Know If I Am Being Or Have Been Abused?
Sometimes, people are not sure if they are victims of domestic abuse. Maybe you aren't sure. Perhaps you haven't been seriously injured--maybe your partner hasn't hit you at all. Domestic abuse is about more than physical violence. If your partner does things that make you afraid and that isolate you from friends or family members, you may be a victim of abuse. The following checklist can help you determine if you or someone you know is abused.
Does your partner...
- constantly criticize you and your abilities as a wife, partner, mother or employee?
- behave in an overprotective way or become extremely jealous?
- threaten to hurt you, your children, pets, family members, friends or his/herself?
- prevent you from seeing family or friends?
- get suddenly angry or lose his/her temper?
- destroy personal property?
- deny access to family resources like the car, bank accounts, credit cards or control finances and force you to account for what is spent?
- intimidate or manipulate you or your children?
- hit, punch, slap, kick, shove or bite you?
- prevent you from going where you want to, when you want to?
- make you have sex that makes you uncomfortable?
- humiliate, put you down or embarrass you in front of others?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may be a battered person. You are not alone! There is help available! Contact the Town of Hamburg Domestic Violence Office at 926-0057.
