The Domestic Violence Bureau consists of prosecutors, investigators and victim advocates who work exclusively on cases involving domestic and intimate partner violence. The bureau, led Chief Gina M. Gramaglia and Assistant Chief Rachel M. Vicario, has a dual mission: prosecute the offenders and prevent future harm to the victim.
Due to the sensitive nature and complex dynamics associated with these crimes, Assistant District Attorneys must dedicate additional time and attention to these cases as victims are often reluctant to report the crime or testify against their abuser. Cases involving domestic or intimate partner violence are prosecuted through a multi-disciplinary, victim-centered approach designed to minimize trauma and promote healing. Our office has specially-trained victim advocates who work with survivors to provide support throughout the criminal justice process while offering crisis intervention counseling, safety planning and other services based upon their individual needs.
In addition to seeking justice for their crimes, our prosecutors secure orders of protection to prevent the abuser from having further contact or causing future harm to the victim. The Erie County District Attorney’s Office is a member of a multi-disciplinary team that includes law enforcement, probation and community-based providers. Together, we identify high-risk victims of domestic/intimate partner violence and work to increase survivor safety. The multi-disciplinary team is supported by the Statewide Targeted Reductions in Intimate Partner Violence (STRIVE), established by Governor Kathy Hochul, to enhance case intervention strategies focused on collecting evidence, prosecuting offenders, and connecting high-risk survivors to supportive services.