Staff Report / May 2, 2026
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that Yates County will be part of a new statewide initiative aimed at improving responses to domestic and gender-based violence. The county is one of five selected to participate in a two-year Coordinated Community Response (CCR) Pilot program designed to strengthen public safety and support for survivors.
The program, led by the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, focuses on improving coordination among law enforcement, courts, social services, and advocacy groups. Officials say the goal is to help survivors access support more quickly while ensuring offenders are held accountable through a more unified response system.
Participating counties—including Yates, Clinton, Putnam, Columbia, and Delaware—will adopt one of two evidence-based models: a multidisciplinary task force or a high-risk response team. Both approaches are designed to improve communication between agencies, identify service gaps, and provide more effective intervention in cases involving domestic and gender-based violence.
Yates County District Attorney Todd Casella said the program will enhance services for victims while strengthening collaboration among agencies. He noted the initiative is expected to improve communication, increase accountability, and ultimately make the community safer for residents.
