Cuomo signs bills expanding domestic violence protections
ALBANY, N.Y. >> Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed three pieces of legislation expanding protections for victims of domestic violence.
These measures broaden the definition of the crime of domestic violence to include forms of economic abuse such as identity theft, grand larceny and coercion; give victims the choice to vote by mail-in ballot, even if they remain within the county where they are registered to vote; and allow victims to report abuse to any law enforcement agency in New York State, regardless of where the violence originally took place.
In Saratoga Springs, Wellspring Executive Director Maggie Fronk said the people she sees on a daily basis who are living with the impact of domestic violence in their lives will benefit from the legislation:
“Inspired by the stories and courage of domestic violence survivors, advocates in partnership with our legislators have championed new policies and legislation to benefit survivors. The most recent bills decrease obstacles to assistance, address gaps in policy and reflect a more holistic approach to addressing domestic violence.
“The legislation signed by Governor Cuomo enhances the rights and the protections of domestic violence survivors by adding economic abuse to the Social Services Law. It not only provides consistency with domestic relations law and the family court act, but addresses the impact of economic abuse as a frequent and powerful tool used to exert power and control over a partner.
“Wellspring has many programs to assist survivors who have experienced financial control, e.g. our financial literacy program , Project Hope and Power and our NewView Housing program which provides rent subsidies and support services to help survivors as they exit abuse.
“It also allows domestic violence victims who make complaints to any law enforcement agency if returning to the jurisdiction where the offense occurred presents a hardship
“This bill removes barriers that prevent survivors from accessing the protections of the justice system. Removing this obstacle recognizes that victims who have fled for safety may be fearful of returning to that community or may not have the resources to do so.
“The legislation also allows special mail in ballots for domestic violence survivors-People shouldn’t lose the right to vote because they fled abuse. This bill is helpful because it acknowledges that abusive actions can force a victim into fleeing and this transience complicates the survivor’s daily life and presents obstacles that others don’t encounter.
“Non-consensual sharing of images- while this was signed into law- holds offenders accountable through civil and criminal process for non-consensual sharing of images.
“Commonly referred as ‘revenge porn’, abusers may use the threat of disseminating such images (sometimes taken without the subject’s knowledge) as a tool of coercion.
“Victims may fear leaving the abuse or contacting the police for fear of exposure from nonconsensual sharing of images that can jeopardize their employment, reputation, and personal safety.”
“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.”
“My mother dedicated her life to helping survivors of domestic violence, and her work has inspired me during my time in public service,” Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said.
“This legislation will protect individuals from abuse and violence, and ensure survivors are able to seek justice. As part of our Women’s Justice Agenda, our state is leading the way to protect all New Yorkers, ad
vance full equality, and strengthen our society.
“The legislation also allows special mail in ballots for domestic violence survivors-people shouldn’t lose the right to vote because they fled abuse. This bill is helpful because it acknowledges that abusive actions can force a victim into fleeing and this transience complicates the survivor’s daily life and presents obstacles that others don’t encounter.”
In the Governor’s 2019 Women’s Justice Agenda to combat domestic violence and empower victims to seek justice. Earlier this year, the Governor signed the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act, which codified more meaningful sentence reductions for domestic abuse survivors in the criminal justice system.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence: 24/7 Wellspring Hotline: (518) 584-8188; Office: (518) 583-0280.