Rochester launches 'STRIVE' program to combat high domestic violence rates

The new initiative aims to provide comprehensive support services for domestic violence survivors.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The City of Rochester, New York has launched a new program called STRIVE (Statewide Targeted Reductions in Intimate Partner Violence) to address the city's high rates of domestic violence, which are double the statewide average. The $2.3 million program is a coordinated effort between the Rochester Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff's Office, Willow Domestic Violence Center, and other community partners to centralize resources and provide wrap-around support services for survivors.

Why it matters

Domestic violence calls are extremely dangerous for responding police officers, with 14 officers injured last year alone in Rochester. The STRIVE program aims to better support survivors and reduce the risks to law enforcement by providing immediate access to services like shelter, childcare, and legal assistance.

The details

Under the STRIVE program, all Rochester police officers responding to domestic violence calls will ask victims to complete an 11-question risk assessment. The results will be immediately transferred to a STRIVE outreach team that can provide necessary services to the victim, such as shelter, animal care, and childcare, to help remove them from the dangerous situation. The Willow Domestic Violence Center is also building a new facility inside the former Irondequoit Mall to house legal help, counseling, and other social services all in one location to make it easier for survivors to access support.

  • The STRIVE program will launch later this month in Rochester.
  • In December 2025, three Rochester police officers were shot responding to a domestic incident.

The players

Rochester Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that is a key partner in the STRIVE program.

Monroe County Sheriff's Office

The county law enforcement agency that is also collaborating on the STRIVE initiative.

Willow Domestic Violence Center

A community organization that provides support services for domestic violence survivors and is building a new facility as part of the STRIVE program.

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What they’re saying

“To ask a survivor to be displaced from their home, take their children with them immediately is a stressful emotional situation and we need help with that as police.”

— Commander Mike DeSain, Rochester Police Department (whec.com)

“Last year alone, I believe we had 14 officers injured responding to domestic violence situations.”

— Commander Mike DeSain, Rochester Police Department (whec.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This new STRIVE program in Rochester highlights the urgent need to provide comprehensive support services for domestic violence survivors in order to protect both victims and the law enforcement officers responding to these dangerous situations.