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The inaugural New York College Public Safety Symposium took place on Wednesday (March 5) at the New York State Police Academy in Albany. Organized by the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) in collaboration with the Division of State Police, the event gathered nearly 200 professionals, including campus leaders, law enforcement, and public safety personnel from colleges across the state.
The symposium aimed to enhance campus safety by addressing the rising incidents of gender-based violence, domestic violence, and stalking on college campuses. According to CBS6 Albany, workshops and key speakers provided attendees with tools and information to better support student survivors and improve prevention efforts. Kelli Nicholas Owens, Executive Director of OPDV, emphasized the need for a survivor-centered approach, stating, "We need to make sure they encounter somebody who understands what they’re going through."
The symposium comes as part of Governor Kathy Hochul's ongoing efforts to prioritize public safety for all New Yorkers, including those in educational institutions. As reported by RealEstateRama, the event featured notable speakers such as Steven James, Superintendent of the New York State Police, and Don McPherson, a former NFL quarterback and motivational speaker.
The event also highlighted the state's commitment to the "Enough is Enough" law, enacted in 2015, which mandates colleges to provide proper services and handle incidents appropriately. Attendees were reminded of resources available, including the state's Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline, which operates 24/7.