St. Lawrence County Renewal House will receive $25,000 in special funding to aid victims of domestic, according Sen. Patty Ritchie, who secured the money.

“Across our communities, our state and our nation, domestic violence continues to be a major problem that has devastating physical and psychological effects on its victims and tears families apart” said Sen. Ritchie.

“I am truly pleased to have the opportunity to assist the organizations in Central and Northern New York that play a key role in our communities, protecting and helping victims.”

Leaders of organizations that assist victims are praising Sen. Ritchie's efforts to help them meet their needs.

“Senator Ritchie’s efforts will assist our agency in providing victims in St. Lawrence County an opportunity to break free from violence,” said St. Lawrence Valley Renewal House Executive Director Ilene J. Burke.

“We are thankful that she was able to provide these vital resources that will give people here in the North Country the options and support they need.”

In the past two years Sen Ritchie secured $100,000 for programs in the central and northern New York regions.

According to recent statistics, approximately 400,000 domestic incidents are reported to police departments throughout New York State annually. In addition, the U.S. Surgeon General has identified domestic violence as the number one health problem affecting American women, with an estimated one in four females having had experienced domestic violence in her lifetime.

Organizations receiving special funding are as follows:

• St. Lawrence Valley Renewal House: $25,000;

• Victims Assistance Center of Jefferson County: $15,000;

• Oswego County Opportunities: $10,000.