City of Batavia Police and YWCA partner to strengthen intimate partner and domestic violence response – The Batavian

Report on the Collaborative Initiative to Combat Intimate Partner Abuse and Domestic Violence in Batavia

Introduction

The City of Batavia Police Department and YWCA of Genesee County have joined forces in a statewide initiative aimed at enhancing public safety responses to intimate partner abuse and domestic violence. This effort is supported by the State-wide Targeted Intimate Partner Violence (STRIVE) reduction grant and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Partnership and Collaborative Framework

This initiative involves a partnership among multiple stakeholders, including:

• City of Batavia Police Department
• YWCA of Genesee County
• Genesee County District Attorney’s Office
• Genesee County Probation
• Genesee County Sheriff’s Office

The collaboration focuses on implementing evidence-based strategies to address the needs of victims and survivors of intimate partner abuse and domestic violence, thereby contributing to SDG 16 by promoting peaceful and inclusive societies.

Objectives and Goals

1. Enhance the safety and support for survivors of intimate partner abuse and domestic violence.
2. Hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
3. Strengthen community responses through coordinated efforts among law enforcement, service providers, and community organizations.
4. Implement trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and culturally responsive practices.

Support and Resources

The initiative receives critical support from the following state agencies:

• State Division of Criminal Justice Services
• State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence

Funding is allocated for:

• Training and technical assistance
• Risk assessment tools
• Investigative support for participating agencies

These resources enhance the effectiveness of domestic violence reduction efforts and contribute to SDG 3 by promoting well-being and safety.

Statements from Key Leaders

• Jamie Rada, Executive Director of YWCA of Genesee County: Emphasized the community’s commitment to support, safety, and being heard, highlighting the initiative’s potential for positive and lasting impact.
• Police Chief Shawn Heubusch: Affirmed the department’s dedication to providing a safe environment and holding offenders accountable.
• Sheriff Joe Graff: Expressed commitment to supporting the STRIVE initiative and strengthening collaboration to create a safer community.
• Tim Michalak, Probation Director: Noted alignment with Genesee County Probation’s mission to enhance safety through fair supervision and community partnerships.

Conclusion

The City of Batavia Police Department, YWCA of Genesee County, and their partners are dedicated to fostering a safer and more just community. This initiative represents a significant milestone in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals by addressing intimate partner violence through coordinated, survivor-centered approaches that promote justice, equality, and well-being for all community members.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article focuses on intimate partner abuse and domestic violence, which are critical issues related to gender-based violence and the empowerment of women and girls.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The initiative involves law enforcement, judicial, and community organizations working to ensure justice, accountability, and safety, which aligns with promoting peaceful and inclusive societies.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Addressing domestic violence contributes to improving physical and mental health outcomes for survivors.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 5 Targets:
   • 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
   • 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life (implied through community collaboration and leadership roles).
2. SDG 16 Targets:
   • 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels (implied through coordinated community response and collaboration among agencies).
3. SDG 3 Targets:
   • 3.4: Reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being (addressing trauma and mental health impacts of domestic violence).

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 5:
   • 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months.
   • 5.2.2: Proportion of women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to sexual violence by persons other than an intimate partner in the previous 12 months.
2. Indicators for SDG 16:
   • 16.1.3: Proportion of population subjected to physical, psychological or sexual violence in the previous 12 months.
   • 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms.
   • 16.6.2: Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services (implied through community satisfaction and trust in coordinated response).
3. Indicators for SDG 3:
   • 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate (implied relevance due to mental health focus).
   • Use of risk assessment tools and trauma-informed practices as qualitative indicators of improved service delivery and survivor support.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: thebatavian.com