KINGSTON, N.Y. -- As part of an ongoing effort to battle domestic violence in the community, Kingston was awarded a $285,000 grant to launch a new pilot program aimed at prevention.

The initiative is part of a national network that is designed to bring the community together to stop the violence. It would bring additional resources to victims in recovery and give law enforcement officers more leeway to monitor suspects to prevent escalation.

Mayor Steve Noble, who has participated on ride-alongs with police officers responding to domestic violence calls, says this program is desperately needed to help the community and prevent violent crimes like those he has seen firsthand.

"The next day he murdered her in Saugerties. I was face to face with him the day before having normal conversation about dispute over car, in the end ended with tragedy,” Noble said.

"The Kingston community no tolerance for their behavior, Kingston PD will hold them accountable,” said Kingston Police Chief Egidio Tinti.

District Attorney Holley Carnwright says in Ulster County, upwards of 80 percent of the woman who are murdered are victims of domestic violence.