DOMESTIC ABUSE, PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING, COMMUNITY UPDATES
One in every four women will be the victim of domestic violence. One in five women will be the victim of sexual assault. One in six women will be the victim of a stalker. The actual numbers may be even higher as these crimes are notoriously underreported and even more difficult to prosecute.
Last week such an horrific act hit our own community when an assailant followed a woman home to her apartment on 105th Street, forced his way inside, and brutally sexually assaulted her.
You may have also heard about the actions taken by a growing number of brave students at Columbia University who are speaking out about their experiences and how they have been impacted. Or the national conversation about how the NFL is responding to acts of domestic violence by its players.
As October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this is an important time for us to reflect on the progress that’s being made to create a society free from violence and abuse. But we must also recognize that more must be done. As we work towards strengthening the tools that law enforcement agencies have to go after these perpetrators, we must also continue to break down the culture of quiet tolerance towards these unacceptable acts.
In light of these events in our community and more broadly, I’m hosting a self-defense workshop, along with the NMIC’s Domestic Violence Project and CLOTH. The class will help participants learn how to protect themselves if they are ever caught in such a terrible situation. It will also provide resources for sexual assault and domestic violence victims. For information on date and location please reach out to Sabine Franklin at 212-928-6814 or sfranklin@council.nyc.gov
Please help me build awareness so that we can turn back this alarming trend and save countless others from having to live in constant fear.
Starting Next Week:
Tell us your ideas on how to spend $1 million
We're having seven meetings in the next few weeks called “Neighborhood Assemblies” to collect ideas for infrastructure projects in our community as part of Participatory Budgeting. The winning projects will be funded for a total of $1 million. The first meeting is happening Thursday, October 9 at 6:00 PM in the George Bruce Library on 125th Street.
I hope you’ll RSVP today on my website so we can better prepare for these events.
Community Updates
SCRIE and DRIE Clinic: Learn how to get your rent frozen if you’re a senior or disabled
Join me, Manhattan President Gale Brewer and others as we host a SCRIE/DRIE clinic for those who are over 62 or on a medicaid or disability pension to help them apply for a rent freeze. The clinic will be held Tuesday October 7 from 1PM to 4PM at the Arc Fort Washington Inc. Senior Center, 4111 Broadway Avenue. To RSVP call 212-531-1609 or email lalmanzar@manhattanbp.nyc.gov
Free Breast Cancer Screening
I am co-sponsoring a free mammogram clinic for women over 40 who have not had one in the past year. A mobile Mobile Unit provided by the Italian-American Cancer Society will be parked in front of Franciscan Community center on 97th ST between Broadway and Amsterdam on October 24th between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Very few slots are left so please call Sabine Franklin at 212-928-6814 as soon as possible to reserve a space.
Free English Classes
If you’re between the ages of 17-21 you may qualify for free English classes through the Manhattan Comprehensive Night and Day School. For more information or to register for an open house or class, go to www.mcndhs.com.
I’m sponsoring a Medicare Open-Enrollment event with the Medicare Rights Center at the Community Room in River Terrace Co-Op on October 15, from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM.
Wanted: Teens to make an impact on the community
If know a 16 or 17- year old interested in making an impact on the community, encourage them to join a free orientation and training session on Tuesday October 28, 2014 at the Police Athletic League Armory Center on 216 Ft. Washington Avenue. To RSVP or for more information email Al Kurland at alkurland@palnyc.org.
Be Better Prepared for Emergencies
Want to be better prepared to deal with emergency situations? All those who attend will receive a free Citizen Preparedness Corps Response Starter Kit. The training will be held Tuesday, October 7th at City College’s North Academic Center Lecture Hall at 6PM. Participants must register in advanced at www.prepare.ny.gov
A conversation on school safety
Members from the NYPD’s School Safety Division will lead a discussion of concerns and solutions regarding schools, children, and the community. The meeting will take place at Hunter College Campus on 71 East 94th Street from 8:30-10:30 AM on Tuesday October 7th. Register here.
If you wish to report an issue anonymously, visit the Schools Unite Network’s website.
New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Apartment Assessments
The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is performing mandatory Apartment Assessments for all of its public housing apartments. The purpose of the assessment is to ensure that apartments are being maintained in a safe and decent condition and to identify any potential health and safety issues. Tenants will receive a notification letter in the mail at least twenty-one days before the assessment date. If you have any questions concerning your Apartment Assessment, please call the NYCHA Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771.
Looking forward to seeing you soon,
Mark Levine
City Council Member, 7th District
P.S. To all those observing Yom Kippur beginning this evening, Gmar Chatima tova and may you have an easy fast.
