Domestic Violence

Freedom Youth Family Justice Center Continues to Fight Human Trafficking

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Freedom Youth Family Justice Center (FYFJC), which seeks to empower, strengthen, and stabilize victims and survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence, held a “Stars of Freedom” annual gala on Friday, Jan. 24, at Eastwood Manor in the Williamsbridge section of The Bronx. Founded by Monique Riley, CEO, in conjunction with her husband, Joseph Riley, executive director, the Freedom Youth team took some well-deserved time out to celebrate their hard work and honor survivors, friends and allies.

Former Bronx Professor Gets Over 8 Years for Human Trafficking & Sex Crimes

By SÍLE MOLONEY
A 45-year-old Bronx man, Jorge Alberto Ramos, was sentenced on Thursday, Feb. 6, to over 8 years in prison for smuggling three female victims from El Salvador to the U.S., where he sexually abused them, federal prosecutors said. The man’s sentence was also for possessing child pornography. Danielle R. Sassoon, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, said the sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl, who also presided over the defendant’s guilty plea.

Michael Blake Launches Candidacy for Mayor

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The Hon. Rev. Michael Blake, a former Bronx assemblyman for Assembly District 79, announced his campaign for Mayor of New York City at Sankofa Haus in the South Bronx on Tuesday, Nov. 26, under the theme “Tomorrow Begins Today.”

Politicians & Gun Control Activists Hail Passage of Additional New York State Gun Control Bills into Law

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Alongside gunshot survivor, gun control activist, and former Democratic U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, New York government officials, and other gun safety advocates, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into State law a new package of six bills on Wednesday, Oct. 9, which elected officials say will strengthen New York’s gun laws, by taking action against dangerous “pistol convertors,” by requiring gun sellers to post tobacco-style safety warnings on their products, and by providing other new tools and resources to help protect more New Yorkers from gun violence.