Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The challenges that come with domestic violence put victims in difficult and painful situations, often leading to consequences not only on physical health, but also on mental health.

Navigating domestic violence is not an easy task, which is why María Lizardo, director of the non-profit organization Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation (NMIC) has struggled for years to serve to the Hispanic community in its effort to help those victims.

“We started the program against domestic violence in 1998, because we knew as an organization that we had to do something to support victims and survivors of domestic violence,” said Maria Lizardo, director of NMIC .

PA: – What is the most difficult thing you have found in these years to bring these people forward?

“At first it was very difficult because our community was not open to discussing the issue of domestic violence,” answered Lizardo.

“They weren’t ready to have those open conversations, to say we can’t continue with domestic violence against women. The majority are women, we focus here at NMIC on women. “At first that was the hardest thing,” he said.

However, for many victims, breaking the silence is a great challenge, as psychologist Yris Yanckelevich tells us:

“The psychological problems of people who have been abused by their husband, lover or father or brother must be understood. People who suffer abuse are not always physical, sometimes it is emotional and physical, it is not always sexual, sometimes it is emotional and sexual,” he explains.

But the emotional part is always present and generates in the abused person a lot of fear and emotional dependence from which they cannot find a way out for years.

And the fear of reporting the perpetrators, economic issues, housing, immigration status and language are among some of the obstacles victims have to face.

“The city has supported this, not only the city, but the State as well, because it is recognized that this is an epidemic, an epidemic in which we are all responsible ,” Lizardo said.

According to statistics:

Domestic violence is one of the least reported crimes. According to the New York Police Department, 245,018 incidents of domestic violence were reported in 2023 – an average of 671 per day.

A scourge that can strike any home at any time.

And this is one of the purposes of this organization to support these people and ensure that there are no more victims.

For more than twenty years, María, together with a group of people, has held the wedding procession in honor of Gladys Ricart and all the women who survived this ordeal.

This program provides counseling and legal services to help the victim in all the necessary steps to leave the relationship or decide to stay in the relationship.

“Our work here is very important because we let the people of Washington Heights and also the Bronx know because that’s what we’re focusing on, what their rights are and what’s important to talk about,” he says. .

And he said: “It’s very important to seek legal help, whether you’re undocumented or not. They have rights here in New York.”

“Try to get out of the situation as soon as possible, the person is not going to change, it can take years and years. Make them feel that they can get on by themselves, that they can be independent, that they can do things for themselves, that they won’t let themselves be intimidated by anyone,” yes A journal ending about what a person is suffering. should be abused.

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