The goal of both programs is to enable domestic violence victims to remain in their homes by providing additional safety and security measures. The Police Department gives ATS alarms priority status and police officers in ATS participating precincts receive special training tailored to the program. The Mayor announced the citywide expansion of ATS last March. Each successive picture in the series displays a time twelve seconds later than the preceding picture, reinforcing the message that another woman is physically abused every twelve seconds. By utilizing mass transit, the compelling posters will be viewed by millions of New Yorkers and visitors from around the world.
Public education is fundamental to changing society's attitude toward domestic violence.
Individual and group literacy instruction will be offered to both parents and children inside the shelters. The family literacy project will also promote literacy beyond a family's stay in a shelter by providing residents with a listing of local libraries and library resources throughout the City upon their discharge. The goal of this initiative is to improve the literacy skills of both parents and children and to engage them in a positive education experience. Administered by the Human Resources Administration and the Division of Homeless Services, the family literacy program will be introduced in three of the City's domestic violence shelters and two of the City's homeless shelters in the Bronx and Manhattan. One Family Literacy Coordinator, with expertise in early childhood programming and reading, will tailor the family literacy program to the individual needs of each shelter.