Westchester County conference focuses on strengthening domestic violence response and collaboration
The conference welcomed 34 police department liaisons from municipalities across the county.
The Westchester County Office for Women brought together law enforcement and county officials for its 24th annual Police Interactive Training Conference, aimed at strengthening the response to domestic violence county-wide.
The conference welcomed 34 police department liaisons from municipalities across the county.
Officers and others in attendance received current statistics, information on available resources and guidance on best practices for responding to domestic violence incidents, as well as connecting victims with support.
County officials said the number of individuals considered high risk has gradually increased from 2022 through 2025.
“As of this morning, we are just under 2,000 high-risk cases countywide, which is about where we were at the end of last year,” said David Ryan, director of the Westchester County Domestic Violence High Risk Team.
Ryan said he believes the increase may be tied to more victims feeling comfortable coming forward.
This year’s keynote speaker was Joseph Petito, father of Gabby Petito, the Long Island woman who was killed by her fiancé in 2021.
Petito spoke about the importance of learning from different perspectives to improve the response to domestic violence, as well as resources the Gabby Petito Foundation offers.
Catherine Borgia, acting director of the Westchester County Office for Women, said collaboration between law enforcement and other agencies is key to recognizing warning signs and helping people leave dangerous situations.
Support for survivors is available 24/7 through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
