To strengthen the prevention and support for survivors of domestic violence, Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch of New York City announced on the 16th the establishment of the largest “Domestic Violence Unit” (DVU) in the United States. The unit, with approximately 450 dedicated investigators, is set to launch next week and will operate simultaneously in the city’s five boroughs.
Mayor Adams stated that public safety should not be limited to the streets and subways, but should extend to the home. He emphasized, “Domestic violence destroys lives and dignity, and we have a responsibility to make survivors feel safe and supported. The establishment of DVU will ensure that victims have access to more resources, hold offenders accountable under the law, and seek justice for the victims.”
Commissioner Tisch emphasized that this is the largest institutional reform in over thirty years for the New York City Police Department, signaling a new era in handling domestic violence cases. She said, “Domestic violence cases are extremely complex, and investigators must possess professional training and empathy. DVU adopts a survivor-centered, trauma-informed investigative approach to ensure protection and justice go hand in hand.”
Currently, nearly forty percent of serious assault cases in the city are related to domestic violence. With the establishment of the new unit, domestic violence personnel previously spread out in patrolling and housing bureaus will be unified under the Criminal Investigation Bureau, streamlining case handling to avoid duplication and ensuring consistent support and efficient services for survivors from reporting to investigation.
DVU will also establish two new positions – Domestic Violence Legal Counsel and Director of Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention. The former will collaborate with prosecutors in all five boroughs to enhance litigation support, while the latter will focus on strengthening officer training and institutional design. Additionally, the police department has set up a “Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Investigation Team,” consisting of 8 sergeants and 40 detectives, dedicated to apprehending suspects and preventing violence escalation.
The unit will be led by Deputy Chief John Corbisiero, a seasoned leader with 40 years of experience who previously served as the commanding officer of the 90th Precinct in Brooklyn and as head of the NYPD’s Domestic Violence Unit, praised for his combination of practical experience and expertise.
Multiple anti-violence organizations have praised this initiative, including the South Asian Women Project, Sanctuary for Families, and Safe Horizon, among others, hailing the reform as a “historical step forward” and believing that the new system will rebuild survivors’ trust in the justice system, ensuring that every victim can achieve “true safety and dignity.”
If you are unfortunate enough to have experienced rape, sexual assault, or any crime related to domestic violence, please bravely seek help. You can immediately contact the police, go to the nearest police station, or dial 911 for assistance.