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Get to Know Brooklyn A – Daniela Adao

Daniela Adao leads Brooklyn A’s small but mighty Domestic Violence Program. In just a short time, she’s helped the program grow to join the landscape of vital resources available to survivors in NYC and to our clients. She and her paralegal teammate help survivors secure orders of protection and child custody, and help survivors beyond the courtroom to ensure they are safe with a path toward a brighter future. Daniela’s long been passionate about domestic violence work and has positioned her program well to continue expanding its reach. When she’s not helping clients, she’s helping find a home for cats with a Brooklyn animal rescue group. Learn more about Daniela in our latest Q&A:

Q: So you went to Fordham Law School, was that what brought you to New York or are you a native New Yorker?

Daniela: I was born in Queens, New York, but grew up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I returned to the US for high school and did my undergraduate degree in International Relations and Political Science at the University of Miami. During undergrad, I chose to pursue a law degree in order to fight for justice and human rights. I decided to return to my place of birth and serve the New York City community.

Q: What inspired you to get into domestic violence law?

Daniela: Seeing survivors in my life inspired me to support those impacted by domestic violence. I’ve witnessed how it isolates and disempowers individuals, affecting families and children. I realized I could use my legal skills to help survivors regain independence and rebuild their lives. While I can’t change the past, I can make a meaningful impact on their journey going forward. This work is deeply meaningful to me.

Q: Domestic violence service providers often note how DV is far more common than most people realize—and doesn’t get nearly enough attention in the public. How can people bring more attention to this issue?

Daniela: Domestic violence often hides in plain sight, making it crucial to bring more attention to this pervasive issue. People can help by supporting awareness campaigns and engaging with organizations that work directly with survivors. Safely sharing resources and stories on social media can help educate others and reduce stigma, while encouraging conversations within families and communities can break the silence that often surrounds domestic violence. Advocating for policies that protect survivors and holding perpetrators accountable is another important step. Additionally, individuals can volunteer with or donate to local domestic violence shelters and service providers to support their efforts. By taking these actions, we can collectively create a culture where survivors feel seen, supported, and empowered to seek help.

Q: Late last year, Governor Hochul signed Melanie’s Law, expanding orders or protection to immediate family members regardless of their age. Is there other DV legislation in the works that you’ve kept an eye on or any policy you’d like to see changed to help survivors?

Daniela: The passage of Melanie’s Law and the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent 8-1 decision in United States v. Rahimi marked a significant victory for domestic violence survivors, setting a precedent for stronger law protections. Building on this momentum, two key bills by Senator Emilia Sykes warrant attention. The Stop Electronic Stalking Act (H.R. 6035) seeks to classify unauthorized GPS tracking as stalking, addressing the dangerous misuse of Bluetooth tagging devices often exploited to track and intimidate victims, particularly women and former partners. By closing gaps in federal law, which currently lacks explicit bans on unwanted electronic location tracking, this bill would provide critical protection for survivors.

Also, the Better Care for Domestic Violence Survivors Act (H.R. 6168) proposes investing $50 million over five years to train healthcare providers in trauma-informed, evidence-based practices. This initiative would empower providers to recognize and support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and dating violence, offering life-saving interventions and fostering long-term recovery. Together, these bills represent vital steps toward creating a safer and more supportive environment for survivors.

Q: If we get an unexpected day off (citywide snow day, let’s say) what would be on the day-off agenda for you?

A: Call friends and check up on my loved ones. Maybe reconnect with a friend I have not spoken to in a while. Spend time with my cats, watch the news, and read up on what’s going on in my community and the world online.

Q: Word around the office is you’re a huge cat lover, is this recent or a lifelong passion?

Daniela: I’ve always loved animals and felt a deep connection to them. They’re so vulnerable, and I’m passionate about providing them with kindness and care. My lifelong dream is to create an animal sanctuary. For now, I work with an animal rescue group in Brooklyn, where we address the overpopulation of stray and feral cats in the county. It’s incredibly rewarding to combine my love for animals with meaningful action.

Q: What’s one movie, book, TV show, or album you’ve enjoyed recently that you’d recommend to everyone?

Daniela: I’ve always been drawn to dystopian and thriller stories because they offer such thought-provoking insights into human behavior and society. Recently, I watched Squid Game’s new season 2. Its intense, layered storytelling and the exploration of human survival under extreme circumstances make it impossible to look away. I’m also eagerly awaiting the new season of The Handmaid’s Tale. The way it delves into themes of resistance, power, and survival in an oppressive regime is both chilling and inspiring. Both shows resonate with me for their ability to highlight resilience and humanity in the darkest of times. If you haven’t watched them yet, they’re definitely worth diving into.

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