Tens of thousands of New Yorkers report domestic violence every year. There were nearly 49,600 victims in 2022, according to the state Division of Criminal Justice Services.

There are many forms, but it often intersects with two other issues, mental health and substance use disorders. Experts say the relationship among the three is often misunderstood, or not even recognized. But it was the focus of a domestic violence summit in Fulton County on Wednesday.

“I was very young and naive when I met my ex,” said Ali Moss, a domestic abuse survivor. “I had no idea what I was getting myself into.”

For nearly 17 years, Moss was involved in a “wildly abusive” relationship.

“I was incredibly isolated,” she said. “So much so that we usually only rented houses deep in the country without neighbors.”

Moss says her ex tried to kill her during the pandemic. It was the last straw.

“I still was having trouble acknowledging that I was being abused,” she recalled. “There is a bit of stigma to that.”

Moss is turning her trauma into a purpose, working as a life coach and author. She was the keynote speaker of the summit hosted by the Domestic Violence Program of Fulton County.

“A day dedicated to the intersection of domestic violence, mental health and substance abuse disorder,” said program director Amanda Anderson.

Advocates working in the space of domestic violence say the amount of isolation victims experience often results in mental health struggles.

“If substance use is prevalent, it can get worse,” Anderson explained. “It can turn into additional substance use or if it’s your abusive partner, they also may be utilizing substances or forcing you to use a substance to maintain the relationship.”

Stakeholders from across the state who in different capacities work with people were invited to learn how to tackle all three issues at once.

“Right now is a really great time to be working in the DV world because we’re really connected with all of the other county programs, as well as state agencies to promote this,” Anderson said.  “To get help for the people out there who may be seeking services.”

The same services Moss credits with saving her life and encourages others to seek.

“I know that it feels really hopeless right now and confusing and scary, but I promise you, there is so much more for you on the other side,” Moss said.

There is help available 24/7 to anyone who may be experiencing domestic violence. The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 or text 88788.