The City of Batavia Police Department and YWCA of Genesee County are proud to announce their participation in a statewide initiative aimed at improving the public safety response to intimate partner abuse and domestic violence. This collaborative effort, made possible by the State-wide Targeted Intimate Partner Violence (STRIVE) reduction grant, brings together law enforcement agencies, service providers, and community organizations to enhance the safety of survivors and hold individuals who harm accountable for their actions.

In partnership with the the Genesee County District Attorney's Office, Genesee County Probation, and Genesee County Sheriff's Office, the City of Batavia Police Department and YWCA of Genesee County will work to implement evidence-based strategies to address the needs of victims and survivors of intimate partner abuse and domestic violence. This initiative is part of a larger statewide effort to strengthen community responses to domestic violence.

"This initiative has come at a critical time, and we are excited about the possibilities it will bring to our community," said Jamie Rada, Executive Director of the YWCA of Genesee County. "I am proud to be a Genesee County resident and to live in an area that values and cares for its community. Our goal is to ensure that everyone feels supported, safe, and heard. We are thrilled to be working closely with the City of Batavia Police Department and look forward to the positive change and lasting impact this collaboration will bring."

The State Division of Criminal Justice Services and the State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence will provide critical support to ensure a coordinated community response, rooted in survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices. Funding will be allocated for training and technical assistance, risk assessment tools, and investigative support to participating agencies, further enhancing the domestic violence reduction efforts of state agencies.

"We are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community," said Police Chief Shawn Heubusch, "This initiative is a crucial step forward in our efforts to address the complex issue of intimate partner abuse and domestic violence. We are proud to work alongside the YWCA of Genesee County and our local partners to ensure that survivors receive the support they need and that those who harm are held accountable."

"The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is committed to supporting the STRIVE initiative and its goal of combating intimate partner and domestic violence through a coordinated community response." said Sheriff Joe Graff, "All survivors deserve to be supported and protected while offenders must be held accountable.  We are encouraged that the SRIVE initiative will strengthen collaboration among community partners with a goal to create a safer community for everyone." 

“Participation in this initiative aligns with Genesee County Probation’s Mission to enhance the safety of victims and communities through the fair and effective supervision of community-based offenders, community partnerships, and results driven management practices.” stated Tim Michalak, Probation Director.

The City of Batavia Police Department, YWCA of Genesee County, Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Genesee County District Attorney's Office and Genesee County Probation are dedicated to creating a safer, more just community for all. This initiative marks an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to provide critical support to those affected.

(pictured left to right: Police Chief Shawn Heubusch (City of Batavia), Probation Director Tim Michalak (Genesee County Probation), 1st Assisant District Attorney Joe Robinson (Genesee County District Attorney's Office), Program Coordinator Nicole Easton (Genesee Justice), Victim Counselor Rosanne DeMare (Genesee Justice), Executive Director Jamie Beedham-Rada (YWCA of Genesee County), Sheriff Joe Graff (Genesee County Sheriffs Office))