Velázquez on Murder Suicide in Sunset Park

Brooklyn, N.Y.—Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has issued the following statement in response to the tragic murder of Delma Mateo in a HUD-assisted housing complex in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.

"Tragically, a life has been taken due to unbridled and continued domestic violence. My heart is broken for the family, friends, and neighbors who cherished Ms. Mateo. I join the entire Sunset Park community in mourning this tragic loss.

"Too often, victims of domestic violence live in fear of seeking help and are not aware of the tools available that could change their situation. It is crucial that we educate the public on the robust protections and services that are available to victims and survivors of domestic violence under the Violence Against Women Act. In addition to VAWA, we must continue to develop new strategies that will provide a roadmap to guide the federal government to create a society where survivors are supported, and victims can bring their harm-doers to justice. There are still improvements that need to be made to provide more safeguards to prevent any more tragic loss of life. October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, and this tragedy reaffirms that we must do more to intervene with resources and awareness before tragedy strikes."

For VAWA resources from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development click here.

If you or someone else is in a relationship is being controlled by another individual through verbal, physical, or sexual abuse, or other tactics, please call: 1-800-942-6906 or click here for local resources and statewide resources.

To file an order of protection in NYC click here.