Domestic violence and other serious domestic incidents have repeatedly made headlines across New York state, while the local organizations victims turn to for help say demand for their services is growing faster than the resources available to provide them.

Hope’s Door, a Westchester County nonprofit serving victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, says it served 1,426 domestic violence victims last year — a 51% increase from 944 the previous year.

But Executive Director CarlLa Horton says the organization’s latest tentative funding award through the New York State Office of Victim Services increased by less than 1%.

Hope’s Door is not alone in raising concerns. Other victim-service organizations in the region, including Fearless! Hudson Valley in Orange County, have expressed concerns about flat or reduced funding as agencies face rising costs and increased demand for help.

The concerns come as serious domestic incidents continue to make headlines throughout News 12’s coverage area.

Three notable cases unfolded in Orange County on the same day last Thursday. In Warwick, a domestic incident between a father and son led to an hourslong police standoff. In Greenville, 70-year-old Robert Ryan was found dead following a house fire, and state police identified his son as the suspect in the homicide investigation. In New Windsor, police say a man broke into his ex-girlfriend’s home and violently attacked her while a child was present. He was later charged with attempted murder and other offenses.

News 12 has also covered a series of deadly alleged domestic violence cases elsewhere in the region, including recent cases in the Bronx and Brooklyn.

Victim-service providers say the need for assistance has remained elevated for years, with agencies reporting that more victims are turning to them for help.

The New York State Office of Victim Services says it received a record number of applications for its latest Victims of Crime Act Victim Assistance Grant Program.

OVS says 316 applicants sought $313.1 million annually — more than twice the $126.5 million available each year. The money helps fund organizations that provide direct assistance to crime victims, including many of the services domestic violence survivors rely on.

OVS says the grants are awarded through a competitive process, and it cannot consider whether an organization already receives funding when reviewing applications. Existing providers are therefore not guaranteed another award or the same level of funding they currently receive.

The awards are also not yet final. Organizations were notified of their tentative awards last month, but the New York State Comptroller is still conducting its required review.

The current funding competition follows an earlier OVS procurement in 2025. Tentative awards from that process were rescinded after the state comptroller did not approve the procurement, requiring organizations to compete again in 2026.

Domestic violence agencies provide a range of services to survivors, including emergency shelter, safety planning, counseling, legal advocacy and help navigating the criminal justice system. Some also operate hotlines and help victims secure housing and other resources as they leave abusive situations.

For providers like Hope’s Door, the larger concern is what happens if funding fails to keep pace with the number of victims seeking help.

News 12 has reached out to state lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office about the providers’ concerns.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse, help is available.

Hope’s Door 24-hour confidential bilingual hotline: 888-438-8700

Fearless! Hudson Valley 24-hour hotline: 845-562-5340

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788