New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, Tonya Blount Join Forces to Combat Domestic Violence

Women face the most danger. Brooklyn women more likely to be killed by an abusive partner than women from the New York's other boroughs.

[USPRwire, Thu Aug 27 2009] Tonya Blount, Founder/Executive Director of Leave the Wilderness, Inc., recently met with an official from Mayor Michael Bloomberg's camp to address the city's response to domestic violence. Blount and political strategist, Larry Scott Blackmon discussed an action plan to ensure that as many resources and plans as possible are in place prior to assist victims and get them back on their feet safely and quickly.

Domestic violence falls under the Federal Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention’s definition of intimate partner violence. It is defined as actual or threatened physical or sexual violence, or psychological and emotional abuse, directed toward a spouse, ex-spouse, current or former boyfriend or girlfriend, or current or former dating partner. Women face the most danger. Brooklyn women in particular are more likely to be killed by an abusive partner than women from the city's other boroughs, according to officials. "Since entering office in 2002, Mayor Bloomberg has increased awareness for domestic violence substantially," stated Tonya Blount. "He is committed to educating the community and protecting and assisting the victims. The programs that are now in place for abused women and their children are because of his administration."

Blount herself is a former victim of domestic violence. "In 2001, resources were extremely limited. As a result, I was homeless with five children when I escaped my abusive marriage." By forming a team and strengthening relationships at the community level, Blount hopes to continue to build upon the city's emergency and long term responses. Additionally, she expects to attract the attention and support of faith-based organizations, the private sector, state and federal partners. The meeting, as well as the future meetings with the mayor, will support efforts already underway to strengthen the initiative.


ABOUT TONYA BLOUNT

Tonya Blount is domestic violence advocate and the Founder/Director of Leave the Wilderness, Inc., an organization which assists battered women and their children. She is also a performing artist, harpist, singer, speaker, author, and Editor-in-Chief of Having Church for Women magazine. After surviving a challenging and violent marriage, Tonya found herself homeless and raising five children on her own. Implementing her standards of excellence, and holding herself accountable for her success, Tonya turned her conditions around to rebound faster and stronger than anyone expected. Tonya Blount resides in Brooklyn, New York and is the proud mother of four adult children and one teenager.


SOURCE: eMediaCampaigns!
REPORTER: Fran Briggs