New York shields protections for victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse with new laws

in full Domestic Violence Awareness Monththe Governor of New York, Kathy Hochulsigned this Tuesday a package of laws that seek to protect victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse in a more armored way, which every year leaves more than 100,000 reports in the Big Apple and dozens of deaths.

And when referring to the package of five pieces of legislation, which will begin to apply in all corners of the State of New York, the president mentioned that, among other things, one of them seeks to stop the access of abusive couples to firearms, which are used in a third of domestic violence homicides.

“My Administration is committed to ending domestic violence and supporting survivors, a mission that has been a lifelong challenge for generations of women in my family,” she said. New York politics. “I am proud to sign these new laws that will improve confidentiality, keep New Yorkers safe, and give them the flexibility they need to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.”

Figures provided by the police the city nypdreveal that so far this year some 50 people, mostly women, have been killed by family members and partners.

The executive director of the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Kelly Owensexplained that the new laws will improve the safety of survivors.

“Whether we’re talking about gun safety, privacy rights or financial abuse, we want New Yorkers to know they have options, resources and protections,” the official said.
For her part, the director of the Office of Victim Services, Elizabeth Croninstressed that the regulations that will enter into force are vital for the prevention of violent acts.

“Much of the work done by victim assistance professionals is providing services and support to victims and survivors after crime,” Cronin said. “This comprehensive package of legislation focuses on prevention, by strengthening the court’s ability to restrict an abuser’s access to firearms and empowering people to make decisions that are in their best interests.”

State data reveals that domestic violence continues to be a scourge that continues to affect women the most, where every year more than 195,000 protective orders due to domestic violence, as occurred in 2021, a year that presented an increase of 18% compared to 2020.

“It is critical that we do everything we can to protect survivors of sexual violence from harassment and retaliation,” said the State Senator Tim Kennedy.

Assemblyman Fred Thiele mentioned that even though New York State enacted legislation several years ago to protect the privacy and security of victims of domestic violence by allowing their voting records to be kept confidential, the new rule expands that protection to include a victims of sexual crimes.

“Too many New Yorkers live in fear because of sexual violence. As we continue our battle against these heinous crimes, it is critical to provide privacy and security for victims by allowing geographic information related to their voting records to remain private,” the lawmaker said. “Victims must feel safe to exercise their constitutional right to vote.”

It should be remembered that the State has a domestic and sexual violence hotline that offers free and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, available in Spanish, by calling 800-942-6906 or by texting al 844-997-2121. You can also talk online with a counselor at @opdv.ny.gov or visit the page www.ovs.ny.gov/connect.

What are the new laws that come into force?

• Legislation that guarantees the seizure of firearms owned by persons subject to a protection order if the judge determines that possession continues to be a danger
• A rule that requires criminal or family court judges to investigate the defendant’s possession of a firearm when protective orders are issued
• A law that allows survivors of sexual assault to apply to the State Board of Elections to seal voter registration information from the public
• Legislation requiring utility companies to allow survivors of domestic violence to opt out of contract sharing without penalty
• A law that requires health insurance companies to give survivors of domestic violence the option to provide alternative contact information to access claim and benefit information