Who We Are

Barrier Free Living (BFL) opened its Non-Residential Domestic Violence Program in 1986, becoming one of the first programs in the country to specialize in working with disabled survivors of domestic violence. With over 20 years of experience, BFL continues to be at the forefront in providing comprehensive services to its consumers, with a skilled and caring team that ensures sensitivity and expertise in addressing issues of both disability and domestic abuse.

How We Help

BFL’s Non-Residential Domestic Violence Program offers a broad range of services, including case management; short- and long-term individual counseling; advocacy within the medical, legal, financial, law enforcement and child welfare systems; safety planning; occupational therapy; and referrals to outside services. Services are offered in English, Spanish, Italian, French, Haitian Creole, Romanian and American Sign Language. Through these services, the program helps its consumers achieve independence and safety, to have a life of dignity that is free of abuse.

How to Reach Our Team

•    Our program maintains a 24-hour hotline that can be reached at 212-533-4358 (V/TTY). From 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, your call comes directly to our offices. At all other times, calls are forwarded to the Safe Horizon hotline (1-800-621-HOPE).

•    In case of an emergency, call 911

Who We Serve

The BFL Non-Residential Domestic Violence Program serves individuals from thoughout the five NYC boroughs who:

•    Have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

•    Are subject to physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, or financial abuse by a family member, partner or caregiver.

•    Are at least 16 years of age.

•    Are less than 16 years of age and have witnessed the abuse of a parent or caregiver who is a BFL consumer.

Our Services Include:

• Individual Counseling

• Support Groups

• Case Management and Advocacy

• Specialized Case Management and Counseling for Hearing-Impaired or Deaf Consumers

• Occupational Therapy

• Safety Planning

• Information and Referrals

• Community Outreach and Training

• Crime Victims Board Assistance

Domestic Violence and Disability

Domestic violence is usually defined as occurring between intimate partners. For people with disabilities, however, abuse is not only by partners, but is often also perpetrated by caregivers, including family members, friends, home attendants, residential aides or anyone else they interact with on a daily basis or rely upon for assistance with daily needs. Research shows that 85% of people with disabilities are abused at some time in their lives (source: Colorado Dept of Health) and that women with disabilities stay in abusive relationships significantly longer than women without disabilities. Examples of abuse are indicated by the Power & Control Wheel.

The BFL Non-Residential Domestic Violence Program is funded by:

• The City of New York, Human Resources Administration

• New York County District Attorney’s Office

• New York State Crime Victims Compensation Board

• New York State Division of Criminal Justice, Violence Against Women Act Program

• New York State Office of Children & Family Services

Special thanks to Altria Foundation, Avon Foundation, The Junior League of the City of New York and van Ameringen Foundation for their generous support

[download a PDF of the Non-Res.DV brochure]

[download a TEXT ONLY version of the Non-Res.DV Brochure]

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