NYPD sergeant weighs in on current state of domestic violence in the Bronx

The sergeant says the Bronx has had 2,600 domestic violence-related crimes reported since Jan. 1, making up around one-third of all domestic violence crimes reported across the city this year.

Nadia Galindo and Adolfo Carrion

Feb 15, 2024, 1:39 AM

Updated 314 days ago

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The Bronx leads the city's five boroughs in domestic violence-related crime, and one sergeant with the NYPD's Domestic Violence Unit in the Bronx is discussing what needs to be done. 
"The Bronx is leading domestic violence crime from other boroughs by 15%," said Sgt. Elisha Rivera, who leads the domestic violence unit. "A lot of times victims don't know there is another way out they will stay with their offender because they don't have another outcome."
Rivera says the Bronx has had 2,600 domestic violence-related crimes reported since Jan. 1, making up around one-third of all domestic violence crimes reported across the city this year. 
Police sources say that in the case of Saida Bonilla's death, there were no previous reports of domestic violence. In that shooting, her two nephews were also injured but survived. To stop the surge in domestic violence, Rivera says the NYPD is raising awareness among teens about healthy relationships. 
The NYPD has also partnered with Safe Horizons, which works as a liaison between victims and police while providing resources to domestic violence victims. 
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can call Safe Horizons at 1-800-621-HOPE (4673).