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The information shared by the panelists provided the PWSC members in attendance with the awareness of existing accountability systems, support services, as well as areas of need. Questions asked of the panelists covered a wide range of issues, such as the origin of complaints, legal jurisdiction, referrals to Family Court, referrals to Fearless for time-limited safe housing and a myriad of support services and follow-up services by the SC Department of Social Services.

Edit: Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier is our Executive Director and Sarita Green is our Associate Director

“This may not always be a popular opinion but from the work perspective, I’m a firm believer that phones and computers should not be in children’s rooms after hours and unsupervised,” she said.

Kostyal-Larrier made it clear that it’s not about the trust or lack of trust of your kids, but recognizing that there are predators who are using platforms to manipulate, target and exploit children.

HUDSON VALLEY — As part two of a three part series, the Democrat spoke to Executive Director of Fearless! Hudson Valley, Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier about sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking and crime victimization awareness.

Education and awareness
During Sexual Assault Awareness Month and throughout the year, Kostyal-Larrier said that they spend a lot of time at SUNY Sullivan and out in the field doing community education and awareness.“Sexual assault, domestic violence and human trafficking really prosper in silence,” she said. “The more we can work together and the more informed we are in the community, the greater chance victims can get the resources and services that they need.” In situations like domestic violence or sexual assault, many victims are afraid to report their abuse. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are over 60 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse in America today. According to the National Association to Prevent Sexual Abuse of Children, 90 percent of those survivors never report their abuse to law enforcement and more than 30 percent will never report their abuse to anyone.

At Fearless!, Kostyal-Larrier explained that they are a confidential and free organization that will give victims the freedom to tell as much of their stories as they are comfortable with, without fear of retaliation from their abusers.

“We don’t come from a place of making anybody do anything,” she said. “What we believe is that when victims have information, resources and services, they can make the most informed decision on what the next steps would be for their life.” She said that one step to take is even just calling their hotline, (845) 562-5340, and not even having to give your name.

“If you just want to explore what some of your options may be and to get additional information, you can do that,” Kostyal-Larrier said. “But the more information of resources and services that we make sure the whole community is aware of, the more informed decision victims can make.” She also said that their hotline can be used by community members. If anyone knows of someone who is being abused or at risk and they are unsure of how to support them or what to do, she said calling the hotline is a great step in that situation as well. “You can always reach out and ask us some questions, because sometimes what we think would help somebody often could increase their danger or it could impact their safety,” Kostyal-Larrier said. “So we’re a resource not only for victims and survivors but for the community as a whole.”

Kostyal-Larrier also said that people more often than not don’t realize they’re a victim until they engage with an agency like Fearless! or someone mentions to them that the behaviors they are experiencing are unhealthy. She said that as they continue to educate high school and middle school students as well talking to victims, one important thing is helping them to identify the differences between healthy and unhealthy behaviors.

“Unfortunately, many of the messages that we’re getting in movies, on social media, or on other platforms that we are engaging in, are not demonstrating what a healthy relationship looks like,” Kostyal-Larrier said. “We have more work to do on raising awareness that many of the things that people are experiencing in their lives are actually unhealthy behaviors.” She referenced behaviors like controlling, possessiveness, name-calling and insulting as unhealthy in any relationship. In a partner situation, Kostyal-Larrier noted that constantly checking their phone or monitoring their money are some of the behaviors that the victim might not notice as abusive right away.

Technology and abuse
Kostyal-Larrier also spoke about how the ever-evolving world of technology has made it more difficult for the work that they are doing. She noted that while technology has created access in positive ways, such as keeping our access open to the outside world during the Covid-19 pandemic, it can also be used as a very
dangerous tool that’s often weaponized against victims.

“Many of the apps and many of the technological advances that have been made have been exploited by abusers and traffickers to stalk, harass and harm their victims,” she said “We have so much work to do and the laws are coming along, but they’re still behind on technology.” Kostyal-Larrier mentioned the introduction of the revenge porn law as being one of the steps taken. This law in New York State states that it is a criminal or civil offense to disclose or threaten to disclose an intimate image of another person with the intent to cause harm.

The act is punishable by up to one year in jail or three years probation and a fine of up to $1,000 in criminal court. The victim may also be awarded financial compensation in civil court and New York State is the first state to enable victims to seek a court order to remove content from websites that host or transmit the content.

“We’ve actually done a lot of work on raising awareness of how technology can be used to harm,” Kostyal-Larrier said. “But we’re still seeing a significant increase
in abusers using apps, GPS devices or cell phones in general to maintain stalking their partners. She that when thinking about trafficking or other forms of abuse, a lot of users are being lured under false pretenses through social media platforms. “Anything that can certainly have a positive impact can also be weaponized,” Kostyal-Larrier said. “We have a lot of work to do, and unfortunately, as fast as we’re trying to get the word out, technology is evolving even faster.”

If you think that you or someone you know may be a victim of abuse, please call the Fearless! 24-hour hotline at 845-562-5340

HUDSON VALLEY – As part one of three part series, the Democrat spoke to Executive Director of Fearless! Hudson Valley, Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier about sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking and crime vicimization awareness. This is part one in the series.

April was Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. In Sullivan County, the go-to organization for bringing awareness, advocacy, prevention, education and shelter to victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, human trafficking and crime victimization is Fearless! Hudson Valley.

Starting as Safe Homes of Orange County in 1986, the non-profit organization repositioned into Fearless! Hudson Valley in 2019. Kostyal-Larrier is now in her 15th year at Fearless! and said they began providing domestic violence services to Sullivan County in 2017.

“The domestic violence services that were once there went under,” Kostyal-Larrier said. “They no longer existed, so we came in initially to immediately support the hotline so that victims and survivors could still find resources and help.”

She said that they worked with the county to provide non-residential and residential services to domestic violence victims in Sullivan County. Then in 2019, she said that they regionalized the work that they were already doing in Orange and Sullivan Counties and began working with human trafficking victims.

“We also coordinate what’s called Safe Harbor Task Force,” Kostyal-Larrier noted. “That is the task force of multidisciplinary agencies from both counties that are working to address at-risk, vulnerable, sexually exploited and trafficked youth.”

Kostyal-Larrier also said that in 2021 they partnered with what is now Garnet Health-Catskills in Harris to become the sexual assault provider in Sullivan County. Just this past April 1, Fearless! opened their new office space inside the hospital, right outside the ambulatory building at Garnet Health.

“We have office space there to support victims,” she said. “Our advocates and community educators work out of that site. It’s a really wonderful opportunity to get to know the hospital staff in different ways as well.”

Victims are given the opportunity to engage in conversations with advocates in a private space. Kostyal-Larrier said that when advocates aren’t in the field, victims can also engage with the hospital staff.

“We’re really looking forward to continuing to ensure victims and survivors know where we are,” she said.

The new office space at Garnet Health Medical Center Catskills (1st Floor of the Ambulatory Building) will give us greater visibility and better access to needed medical care.
"...because we know that Community Connection is one way to talk about prevention and sexual violence but it's also another way to make sure that people know about the resources and where to find us and that we have a safe comfortable setting for sexual assault survivors, domestic violence survivors and human trafficking victims." - Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier, Executive Director

Fearless! Hudson Valley’s Sexual Assault Services Program offers comprehensive support to individuals affected by rape and sexual trauma. Services include a 24-hour hotline, crisis intervention, trauma-informed therapeutic counseling, accompaniment and advocacy at the hospital (including during Forensic Medical Exam), and legal advocacy. The program also provides community awareness and prevention activities, aiming to address and prevent sexual violence.

The Government Center is one of the best locations to accommodate the full display of more than 600 T-shirts handmade by individuals.

Egeland approached the antiviolence nonprofit earlier this year with the concept of a “Fearless Adventure,” which has already exceeded its goal and is expected to now raise upwards of $15,000 to support the cause.

Under bail reform, domestic violence charges did not compel mandatory arrests, meaning that reported abusers would receive little more than a slap on the wrist and an appearance ticket, and could return home to their victims the same day. This approach posed serious, and sometimes fatal, risks for victims and likely had a chilling effect on the ability of victims to proactively report their abusers.

In an interview with “20/20,” Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier the executive director at Fearless! Hudson Valley said that in Nikki Addimando’s trial, "There was lots of focus on the night of the incident and very little focus on how we got there."
Kostyal-Larrier said that after seeing the evidence in the case, including graphic photographs of injuries on Nikki’s body taken by a forensic nurse, "I thought to myself, 'If [Ms.] Addimando was not seen as a victim, then who could be seen as a victim?'"

Not a sound could be heard inside of the Powelton Country Club’s Dining room as each of the 37 women’s names was read and guests fully felt the potency of the somber moment. Since 2004, in Sullivan and Orange Counties, that number of female lives has been senselessly taken at the hands of their male intimate partners. The riveting statistic followed the reading of a poem, paying tribute to all women who have had to face the harrowing struggles and challenges connected to domestic abuse. It’s the very reason Safe Homes of Orange County was formed 36 years ago, and has since evolved its namesake into Fearless!

Orange County. Senator James Skoufis secured the grant that will support services, such as food, shelter, police department support and family court assistance.

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Resorts World Catskills announced a donation of $10,000 to Fearless! Hudson Valley. The money will be used to launch a victim advocate program in Sullivan County. The program will be co-located within the Sullivan County Child Advocacy Center (CAC). The program is meant to mimic a similar program that has been successful in Orange County.

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Resorts World Catskills announced a donation of $10,000 to Fearless! Hudson Valley. The money will be used to launch a victim advocate program in Sullivan County. The program will be co-located within the Sullivan County Child Advocacy Center (CAC). The program is meant to mimic a similar program that has been successful in Orange County.

Our Executive Director Kellyann was interviewed by News 12 Hudson Valley's Blaise Gomez about the three back-to-back, separate cases within days that have thrust the crisis into the public eye.

Goshen. About 650 T-shirts made by survivors of domestic violence or in honor of someone who has been a victim of violence were displayed in the Clothesline Project at the County’s Government Center.

GOSHEN – In what has become an annual ceremony to keep the promise of never forgetting those impacted by domestic abuse, residents and Orange County officials stood before a line of 650 t-shirts strung along the entire front side of the Orange County Government Center in Goshen.

GOSHEN – Orange County and Fearless! Hudson Valley, Inc. will recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month by holding the Clothesline Project outside of the County’s Government Center on Monday, October 3.

The Clothesline Project will be on display from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on October 3 and then move to other locations in Orange and Sullivan counties.

“We are here to raise awareness about domestic violence and celebrate the lives of victims, survivors, and their families. Orange County will continue to assist Fearless! and the incredible work they do with and for domestic violence victims,” said Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus.

CITY OF NEWBURGH — When the city replaced the aging coin-operated parking meters with cashless parking kiosks, it sparked conversations across Newburgh about the potential ramifications.

“Many things that are made to potentially simplify and improve our lives in this day and age of technology can be really great,” said Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier, executive director of Fearless! Hudson Valley. “But certainly, they can also have unintended consequences or risk for victims, survivors and others.”

Fearless! Hudson Valley is an Orange County-based nonprofit with an office in Newburgh that offers a variety of services to victims of domestic abuse.

“Just like telephones and GPS tracking devices, these are the kinds of technology which create all sorts of breadcrumbs leading to our location ... Having to use some sort of app or credit card creates an additional breadcrumb that you never had to consider with the quarter,” she said.

Kostyal-Larrier and others said they understand the need for new parking meters, but the lack of a cash option could negatively impact victims of domestic violence, people with low income, undocumented people and anyone who doesn’t have a bank account.

“I am just concerned that not everyone has the ability to use or access a credit card or has a bank account. That definitely can be a barrier and challenge for anyone, regardless of whether or not they're a victim of violence,” Kostyal-Larrier said.

The bill was created with input from Fearless! Hudson Valley, a service provider for victims of domestic violence, sexual violence and human trafficking. Diana Velez, the trafficking program manager for Fearless!, said educating more people about the realities of human trafficking and spotting the warning signs are important.

“I think once we bring additional education and information, people will be able to identify those red flags and find out what resources we have available in the community that they can reach out to for support," Velez said.

Fearless! Hudson Valley is holding their annual school supplies drive to pack backpacks for youth survivors ahead of the upcoming school year.

It is accepting supplies by appointment, which can be scheduled at (845) 562-5365.

Orange and Sullivan Counties, New York

"...prevention and education can look like anything from a kindergarten classroom or a daycare because you can teach the smallest and the youngest of children what it looks like around consent and healthy relationships, even the ability to share one's pencil or whether or not they want to be touched or whether or not they want to be here or be there." - Kellyann, Fearless! Executive Director

NYS Senator James Skoufis, local bar owners, and the Newburgh organization Fearless are calling on Governor Hochul to approve anti-trafficking legislation.

For your next special event/day, show your support by creating a Facebook Fundraiser for Fearless! These fundraisers not only help us raise the much-needed funds to assist victims and survivors, but they also assist us in spreading awareness of our mission to new audiences across the Hudson Valley.

Dozens of t-shirts swayed on clotheslines strung across Port Jervis’ historic Veterans Park. Each provided a glimpse of violence endured by victims of domestic abuse in Orange and Sullivan counties.

“We have highly trained people to provide resources right here in Port Jervis. We’re here to support, not force,” Ruiz said. “It is each person’s decision as to what they feel is safe, and what is best for their situation.”

Domestic violence includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse, and other coercive tactics of control. As a society, we all have a role in changing the narrative about what domestic violence is, to whom it happens, how we can support those who are experiencing it and ultimately prevent it entirely.

Approximately 650 T-shirts made by survivors of domestic violence or in honor of someone who has been a victim of violence were displayed.

Many attending the near-by farmer’s market could be seen “walking the line.” You could see them reading the names and messages on the shirts. The expressions on their faces spoke volumes as to what they were thinking and feeling – shocked, surprised, disgusted, and dumbfounded, then seemingly angry. One person simply shook their head as they read the shirts saying aloud, “why?”

Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) joined leadership and staff of Fearless! (formerly Safe Homes) on Thursday to announce that Fearless! will receive $65,000 in annual state funding, plus a $25,000 allocation of funds granted by the Senate Majority Leader and directed by Skoufis to address violence prevention throughout the region.

Kristen Detheridge of the domestic violence resource center Fearless! Hudson Valley can relate to the people she helps.

“Actually, I’m a survivor myself,” said Detheridge, who is now the marketing and communications director for the nonprofit. “I started out with Fearless! volunteering and just fell in love with people.”

Detheridge said the demand for services from Fearless! has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fearless! received 10,096 calls to its hotline in 2020, staff said, an increase of 26.7% over its 2019 total.

Detheridge and her colleagues appeared outside the Newburgh office of State Senator James Skoufis Thursday morning to share their plans to nearly double shelter space for domestic abuse survivors and their children who have suffered through various forms of abuse.

“Domestic violence is not just physical violence,” Detheridge said. “It can be mental, emotional and economical.”

Fearless! Associate Director Sarita Green said the new shelter offers more space, but also more privacy, which is important to help someone in recovering from trauma.

Construction at the Orange County shelter site is complete, Fearless! staff said. They could not say specifically where the shelter is located, per a New York State social services law. Green said construction of new living space for domestic abuse survivors is unusual, but much better than the more common practice of renovating residential buildings.

“So you’re really restricted with the space within those settings, and trying to make it work the best you can, which we do currently in our existing shelter,” Green said.

The new shelter will bring the organization’s total number of beds to 37. It's been outfitted with couches, televisions and gaming chairs in the teen room.

Skoufis secured $125,000 to pay for the furnishings, and celebrated the completion of the project during a press conference with Fearless! staff and the project’s architects.

There has been a significant increase of domestic violence in the state and around the country,” Skoufis said. “The work that Fearless! has done over this time has never been more important.”

The director of Fearless! said the group is just about ready to open the new shelter. The space is licensed, has a certificate of occupancy and is fully furnished.

Fearless!, though, still needs to hire at least 12 employees before opening the shelter. The director said she hopes those positions will be filled in the coming weeks.

Domestic violence calls have increased 42.55 percent during COVID-19 pandemic.