DC 37 Women’s Committee Domestic Violence Symposium

Panelists from left: MELS Attorney Michele Evans Arrindell, Esq.; MELS Social Worker Dorothea Lawrence, LCSW; MELS Social Worker Tessa Hackett-Vieira, LCSW; DC 37 Associate Director Rose Lovaglio-Miller; SSEU Local 371 Child Abuse Counselor Sierrah N. Smalls, LMSW; DC 37 Women’s Committee Co-Chair and SSEU Local 371 Grievance Representative Ruth Sabino; SSEU Local 371 Grievance Representative and President of the NYC Association of Black Social Workers Terrell Tate. Photo by Americo Reyes-Santiago

The DC 37 Women’s Committee hosted a panel discussion on Oct. 20 on the signs of domestic violence, its effects on society, and how to combat it. Each panelist spoke on their area of expertise to bring awareness to domestic violence, how to identify it, how it impacts children and families, and resources to help end the cycle.

DC 37’s Municipal Employees Legal Services (MELS) can assist with legal representation to secure a family offense petition (protective order) depending on the nature of the incident. A MELS social worker can also assist with short-term counseling and referring to partner agencies that specialize in domestic violence for potential relocation, trauma-informed care, long-term counseling, and child care resources.

Members who are experiencing or suspect domestic violence are encouraged to contact MELS at 212.815.1111.