CE Astorino teams up with groups fighting domestic violenceCounty Executive Robert P. Astorino Tuesday joined with those fighting domestic violence to launch the month-long "Shine the Light on Domestic Violence" campaign.   

"I am proud that Westchester County is participating in the initiative to 'Shine the Light' on domestic violence," said Astorino. "It is unfortunate that domestic violence can destroy families and contaminate any sense of security for children. It is my hope that we can someday eradicate all family violence."

CarlLa Horton, executive director of Hope's Door and the Westchester coordinator of "Shine the Light," encouraged the public to help paint the county purple – the color of domestic violence awareness.

She explained that "Shine the Light," which is affiliated with the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence promotes awareness activities as simple as wearing purple ribbons and as stunning as purple lights illuminating the Empire State Building and Niagara Falls.

"In the last year alone, there were 12,971 Domestic Incident Reports filed with the police in Westchester County," stated Horton. "We already have 22 community partners working to Shine the Light, and with our collective efforts, we will not only raise awareness of the prevalence of domestic and dating violence but also inform the public of the wide array of potentially life-saving services that non-profit and government agencies offer to victims."

Diane Balistreri, chair of the Westchester County Domestic Violence Council and the head of the county's Office for Women, said: "Westchester County's Office for Women is pleased to be participating in the 'Shine the Light' campaign to help raise awareness against the life-altering impact of domestic violence. We must become a society where family violence is absolutely not tolerated. This type of event heightens awareness and allows the general public to participate in an important month-long event."

Any individual or group in Westchester County can join the "Shine the Light" campaign and may participate in group activities or sponsor their own awareness program. Contact CarlLa Horton at Hope's Door by phone at (914) 747-0828 or by e-mail at .

Help is Available
If you or someone you know is living with abuse, help is available.

  • If you are in danger, call the police at 9-1-1.
  • You may call the county's Family Justice Center at (914) 995-3100.
  • You may call one of these local hotlines 24/7 for free and confidential help: Hope's Door, (888) 438-8700 or My Sister's Place, (800) 298-7233.