ALBANY – Putnam is one of five counties across the state selected to protect survivors of domestic and gender-based violence by taking part in a two-year Coordinated Community Response Pilot program.
Joining Putnam in the pilot are Clinton, Yates, Columbia and Delaware counties.
Governor Kathy Hochul described safety on Thursday as her top priority. “I am committed to making full use of all resources to assist survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. This pilot will save lives and reduce violence by holding offenders accountable and ensuring that survivors receive the support they rightfully deserve,” she said.
Led by the State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, the pilot will strengthen the government and community response by improving coordination among law enforcement, courts, social services, advocates, and first responders. By enhancing coordination among these groups, the initiative aims to help survivors access safety and support faster while ensuring accountability for offenders.
The pilot will give participating counties what the governor said is a clear framework for responding to domestic and gender-based violence. With extensive technical aid and implementation support from the state, counties will adopt one of two evidence-based approaches by establishing either a: Coordinated Community Response Task Force — A multidisciplinary group with the authority to influence policy, improve systemic procedures, and strengthen community awareness to prevent and respond to gender-based violence; or a Domestic Violence High-Risk Team — A nationally recognized best practice proven to increase survivor safety, strengthen offender accountability, and reduce burdens on local systems through coordinated, proactive intervention.
Putnam Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center Executive Director Piaget Solpiaget was honored that Putnam was selected to partner with the state.
“Addressing gender-based violence requires strong collaboration across agencies and disciplines, and this pilot strengthens our ability to respond as a unified community. When we coordinate and unify our actions, we become more effective at aiding survivors, ensuring offenders face consequences, and creating a safer, more adaptable system for all in Putnam County,” he said.
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