WASHINGTON HEIGHTS — Northern Manhattan's elected officials are taking the issue of domestic violence head on during a community forum Thursday evening at the Isabella Geriatric Center.
The forum, organized by assemblywoman Gabriela Rosa in collaboration with councilman Ydanis Rodriguez and state Senator Adriano Espaillat, will focus on violence prevention and education as well as policy recommendations. Several community organizations, including the Dominican Women's Development Center and the National Organization for Women, will be in attendance.
The forum comes two months after the death of 19-year-old Inwood resident Edith Rojas. Rojas was stabbed to death by her ex-boyfriend on New Year's Eve. Rosa, is friends with Rojas' family, has said that she will pursue anti-domestic violence legislation in the assembly.
"Domestic violence is a chronic problem that continues to plague individuals, families, and entire communities," said Rosa. "I am personally committed to take on this issue and to work with leading individuals, organizations, and fellow elected officials throughout my district and beyond to try and develop common-sense preventative programs that can help to address this devastating issue."
"My February 7th community forum on domestic violence will be an informative and substantive discussion that will educate attendees about existing services and will begin the process of developing potential programs targeting youth within our community."
The forum will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Isabella Geriatric Center, 515 Audubon Ave. To RSVP email events4gabrielarosa@gmail.com.
