Petition to Establish Broome County's First Domestic Violence (DV) Coalition

To the Leaders, Stakeholders, and Residents of Broome County:

For the past four years, I have dedicated my life to advocating for survivors of domestic violence (DV). I have undergone extensive training in safety planning, crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, stalking, harassment, and much more. However, my experience has extended far beyond the classroom.

In those four years, I have stood beside survivors in their most vulnerable moments—holding their hands during trial, accompanying them to the emergency room, providing endless emotional support, de-escalating crises, and creating personalized safety plans. I have sat in courtrooms, listened to the most disturbing and heartbreaking stories, and committed myself to empowering survivors toward healing and growth.

However, when I moved to Broome County in August, I was shocked and disheartened by the lack of trauma-informed agencies, proper onboarding processes, and even basic DV training. How can we, as advocates, promote empowerment, healing, growth, and validation when we have received little to no training on how to do so effectively?

This gap in training is not just an oversight—it is a systemic failure. In Broome County, agencies are failing to collaborate, leading to survivors falling through the cracks of an already broken system. Without proper prevention, education, and coordinated efforts, many survivors are left with no choice but to return to their abuser or enter another abusive relationship.

We must do better.

That is why I am calling for the creation of Broome County's first Domestic Violence Coalition.

This coalition will bring together stakeholders to:

Collaborate on shared cases.

• Develop prevention strategies and educational programs.
• Host events addressing this public health crisis.
• Establish support groups for survivors.
• Ensure ongoing, trauma-informed training for all advocates and agencies.

In support of survivors in Broome County, the first DV support group meeting, hosted by Cosmic Sprout Collective, is set to be held on January 18th at the Broome County Public Library. I have already received overwhelming support from clients and professionals alike, but we need your voice, your signature, and your commitment to make this happen.

Domestic Violence is not just an issue—it is a crisis. And it is time for Broome County to step up, unite, and take action.

Sign this petition today to stand with survivors, demand accountability, and help us build a safer, more supportive community.

With gratitude and determination,

Hannah Sprout
DV Advocate and Activist
Broome County, NY