NCAVP learns of the intimate partner violence homicide of Bernardo Almonte in the Bronx, New York

August 23, 2016 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of an intimate partner violence (IPV) homicide of Bernardo Almonte in the Morris Heights section of the Bronx, New York, which occurred on Friday, August 19th, 2016. According to media reports, Bernardo was found dead with head trauma in his apartment, and his boyfriend, Marcus Bellamy, has been arrested and charged with murder.

"We are deeply saddened by the homicide of Bernardo Almonte, and send our condolences to his friends and loved ones," said Beverly Tillery, Executive Director of the New York City Anti-Violence Project. "Too often we only hear of LGBTQ intimate partner violence through these most tragic homicides. As a community, and as a society, we must make sure that we help address LGBTQ IPV before it escalates, and raise up the experiences of queer, gay, bisexual and transgender men who are often not given access to services and whose realities as survivors are not factored into policy discussions."

NCAVP's report Intimate Partner Violence in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and HIV Affected Communities in 2014, released in October 2015, documented fifteen IPV homicides in 2014. Of the fifteen homicides, eight (53%) of the victims were cisgender men, seven of whom were killed by current or former male partners. Additionally, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gay and bisexual men experience intimate partner violence at similar if not higher rates as men who identify as heterosexual.

This is the tenth intimate partner violence homicide that NCAVP has responded to in 2016. Along with Bernardo Almonte we have lost Frank Rogers (Los Angeles, CA), John W. Williams (Salt Lake City, UT), Louis Piper (Miami, FL), Quartney Davia Dawsonn-Yochum (Los Angeles, CA), Christopher Hardy (Cleveland, OH), Toni Cox (Brooklyn, NY), Joshua Adam Sisson (San Diego, CA), Alphonzo Guinyard (Chicago, IL), and May Kieu (Glendale, AZ).

NCAVP is a resource for anyone who experiences violence. For more information, or to locate an anti-violence program in your area, please contact us at info@ncavp.org or visit us online. Join NCAVP in our efforts to prevent and respond to LGBTQ and HIV-affected violence. To learn more about our national advocacy and receive technical assistance or support, contact us at info@ncavp.org.

If you are a member of the media, please contact:

Sue Yacka, New York City Anti-Violence Project: syacka@avp.org or 212-714-1184

NCAVP works to prevent, respond to, and end all forms of violence against and within lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and HIV-affected communities. NCAVP is a national coalition of local member programs and affiliate organizations who create systemic and social change. NCAVP is a program of the New York City Anti-Violence Project.