Assemblywoman Donna Ferrara (R, C-Westbury) recently announced that $127,808 soon will be available from New York State to protect Nassau County women and children who have been victimized by domestic violence.

"In today's society we must have zero tolerance for domestic violence, a brutal crime against those who are too frail or frightened to protect themselves," said Ferrara.

The funding will provide resources to support the liaisons who, in addition to assessing domestic violence claims and the need to make waivers, make referrals to support services and reassess situations on a regular basis to adjust waivers as needed.

The state's Welfare Reform Act of 1997 requires screening of all temporary assistance applicants and recipients regarding domestic violence. Individuals who indicate that they are victims must be referred to a specially trained domestic violence liaison, who assesses the domestic violence claim and its impact upon the individual's ability to meet welfare program requirements.

"When women and children have been subjected to domestic violence, Nassau County's $127,808 in funding will provide much needed support for their efforts to escape abuse and start their lives anew in a safe, violence-free environment," Ferrara said.