Mineola, N.Y.-- Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi today formally announced Nassau County's new Family Violence Task Force and appointed two co-chairs to head this key step forward in the County's efforts to combat family violence. At a ceremony marking October as Family Violence Awareness Month, County Executive Suozzi named the two co-chairs - Dr. Louise Skolnik, Deputy Commissioner of the Nassau County Department of Social Services, and Sandy Oliva, Executive Director of the Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Inc. (NCCADV) - and outlined the overarching mission of the Task Force.

County Executive Suozzi ties a white ribbon to the Domestic Violence Memorial Tree as a symbol of his commitment against family violence.

"I have every confidence that this Task Force, under the leadership of two outstanding individuals, Louise and Sandy, will be a major step forward in our fight against domestic violence in Nassau County," County Executive Suozzi said. "It is imperative that we develop this new effort both to address the root causes and to reach out to the victims of domestic abuse, since statistics underscore that many are not getting the help they truly need."

Based on national estimates, it is believed that there are currently approximately 90,000 individual situations of domestic violence among adults in Nassau County. This includes dating abuse and elder abuse. In stark contrast, in 2002, of this large number, only 5745 calls were made to the NCCADV Domestic Abuse Hotline and only 2382 people received direct services from the NCCADV.

Also, over the last 10 months, four women have been killed as a result of domestic violence, and since 1998, 14 women have been killed. In 2002, it is estimated that over 7000 orders of protection were in force as a result of domestic violence.

In announcing the creation of the Task Force, County Executive Suozzi also outlined the mission of the Task Force is to provide a forum for problem solving around family violence. This public private partnership will foster community accountability in supporting victims, preventing abuse, and coordinative services. The County Executive made the announcement at an event at the Domestic Violence Memorial Tree, located on the South Side of Nassau County Court, where he joined Dr. Skolnik, Ms. Oliva and Burt Napear, Founder of Men Against Violence Against Women, to tie ribbons around the Memorial Tree, part of the Annual Family Violence Ribbon Ceremony.

The names of the Task Force members will be formally released upon their official appointment.

"It is essential that we take a strong stance against domestic violence," Dr. Skolnik said. "We cannot let it be accepted under any circumstances."