Johnson City and Rise Pair for Domestic Violence Advocate Program

Johnson City Police and the domestic violence victim support group known as “RISE” are joining forces for a new three-year program to provide an advocate to work with victims.

The Village Police Department is one of 80 law enforcement agencies nationwide to receive a federal Office of Justice Programs Grant for a new advocate position to train police, consult on domestic cases and co-respond to domestic and hospital calls.

RISE, formerly the SOS Shelter, provided 219 individuals with shelter service in Broome County last year and provided services to 1,740 survivors.

In addition to training and consultation services, the advocate will be able to connect victims with community resources.

The Johnson City Police say the goals of the program are to promote perpetrator accountability, reduce repeat domestic calls to the same household and help victims access services.