New protections for domestic abuse victims

ALBANY — New York is broadening the definition on domestic violence to include economic harm and strengthening laws to protect victims of abuse.

Gov. Cuomo on Thursday signed a package of bills expanding the definition of domestic violence to include “identity theft, grand larceny or coercion” and allowing victims to report crimes to law enforcement officials anywhere in the state regardless of where crimes took place.

Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein (D-Brooklyn) thanked the governor for recognizing the important role money and finances can play in an abusive relationship.

“Abusers often use economic coercion to keep victims from leaving,” she said. “I applaud the Governor for recognizing these bitter realities of the world that the victims of domestic violence live in, and for standing up for them when it counts most.”

A third bill signed into law allows victims the choice to vote by mail-in ballot, even if they still live in the county where they are registered to vote.

“Domestic violence is a quiet scourge that has the potential to leave lasting trauma on victims,” Cuomo said. “By signing these measures into law, we will broaden the legal definition of domestic violence so more abusers are held accountable as well as empower victims to get help faster and provide them a measure of protection from their abuser when they vote.”

Earlier this year Cuomo signed legislation allowing judges to reduce prison sentences for victims of domestic abuse who committed crimes while defending themselves against their abusers.