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Establish a Victims' Services Unit, which will assist domestic violence victims in
obtaining a range of services to survivors to give them the support they need to end the
cycle of violence. These services would include counseling, civil legal assistance for
immigration and family court matters, housing and HRA assistance, and economic
empowerment programs. The full weight of the office of District Attorney will be at their
disposal to push through red tape. Upon the opening of the Family Justice Center, the
unit will work with relevant programs at the Center.
Apply and pursue federal and state grants to bring resources and new
technologies to assist in the prosecution of domestic violence cases, especially
those that can assist in preventing cyber-harassment and stalking.
Whenever appropriate, the Bureau will work with a newly established Community
Partnership Unit on outreach, awareness, educational and training efforts in
Staten Island and beyond:
o On a local level, it would involve forging strong relationships with community
stakeholders, community boards, civic organizations, tenant associations and
non-profit groups.
o On a city, state and national level this means enhancing partnerships with District
Attorneys beyond Staten Island and attending national conferences, seminars
and workshops to develop best practices and new innovative strategies to help
prevent domestic violence cases, protect victims in the tragic instances when
they do occur, and prosecute the abusers.
Review policies in the District Attorney's office to ensure victim's receive support
and information they need to come forward, feel safe, and be treated with dignity
by the justice system. ADAs will interview victims who have filed a complaint as soon
as possible in order to ensure the victim's safety and their trust so they will feel
comfortable and safe enough to cooperate and pursue justice against their abuser. It has
been proven that any delays could increase the chance of the assailant contacting the
victim first, thereby dramatically increasing the chances that the victim will be intimidated
and recant or refuse to pursue charges.
Each case will be handled by one dedicated ADA from intake until disposition in order
to build the necessary trust between the office and the victim to ensure the victim feels
comfortable and safe enough in seeking protection from their assailant, and file charges.
"As the former head of the Staten Island District Attorney's Special Victims Bureau, I cannot
emphasize enough how spot-on Mike McMahon's plan is," Yolanda Rudich, the former head
of the Staten Island District Attorney's Special Victims Bureau under former District
Attorneys Bill Murphy and Dan Donovan. "This comprehensive plan to protect the victim,
establish trust with the District Attorney's office, and use every resource available to prosecute
the assailants demonstrates that Mike not only best understands the office of District Attorney
but the potential the office possesses to ensure justice for all those who have been victims of
domestic violence."
McMahon has been a Staten Island trial lawyer for over 25 years, appearing in courts at all
levels throughout New York State. He previously served the people of Staten Island as a Civic
Association President, New York City Council Member, and Member of Congress, and currently
he is a Partner and Co-Chair of the Government Relations Practice Group at international law
firm
Herrick
Feinstein.
McMahon has announced endorsements previously from the New York State Court Officers
Association and the Association of Surrogates, Supreme Court Reporters, the Sergeants
Benevolent Association, the Uniformed Firefighters Association, the Uniformed Fire Officers
Association, the District Council of Carpenters, the Patrolmens Benevolent Association, the