POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (July 2, 2026) – In response to an audit released by the New York State Comptroller of the State’s Domestic Violence Hotline, finding disturbing data that many calls and texts went unanswered and messages were mistranslated, New York State Senator Rob Rolison issued the following statement: 

“The findings in the Comptroller’s audit of the state’s domestic violence hotline are deeply troubling and unacceptable.

For survivors of domestic violence, a hotline is a lifeline. When someone reaches out in a moment of crisis, there must be someone ready to answer. Missed calls, unanswered texts, and delayed responses are unacceptable and could mean the difference between safety and danger — even life or death.

We stand with survivors and every victim seeking help. New Yorkers deserve confidence that when they ask for help, the system will respond.

As Ranking Member of the Senate Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Committee, I will be in contact with the appropriate agencies to ensure these failures are addressed and corrected as quickly as possible. Survivors deserve better.”