New Domestic Violence Bill Aims to Protect Victims

Last week, the Queen's Courier reported that the New York State Assembly passed new legislation to help victims of domestic violence. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said the focus of the legislation is to reduce the current rate of domestic violence in New York, as well as try to prevent from people from engaging in violence or abuse in the future. Silver argued that it's just as important to draft laws that prevent crimes as it is to create laws that penalize those convicted of a crime.

The following list highlights some of the features of the new legislation:

• Creating an address confidentiality program for victims.
• Telephone and cable companies must waive any fees associated with changing, altering, or modifying an existing directory listing if the victim has an order of protection.
• If a victim asks for an order of protection, the judge must ask the defendant if he or she owns a firearm.
• Courts have the right to extend orders of protection if there is justifiable or good cause.
• It is unlawful to discriminate against a victim in the workplace or housing.
• Eliminate the statute of limitations that requires victims of abuse to file a domestic violence complaint within a certain period of time. The courts cannot dismiss an application for an order of protection solely because the victim didn't meet the statute of limitations.
• Domestic violence will be now be considered a serious crime.
• Victims of abuse by a non-relative, as well as those who have been emotionally abused, would be able to cast a ballot similar to an absentee ballot during an election.
• "Individuals or parties who do not enforce orders of protection would be jointly liable for 'all non-economic damages sought by a claimant.'"

At Meyers Law Group, PC, we are committed to doing everything we can to help victims of domestic violence seek the protection they need. If you or a loved one is a victim of violence or abuse, please do not hesitate to reach out for help. We understand that it can be intimidating, frightening, and even embarrassing to come forward and ask for help. We want you to know we are here to help you get through this difficult time so that you're one step closer to a life free of unjust violence and abuse.

If you're interested in speaking with a Long Island domestic violence attorney about obtaining an order of protection or taking some other type of legal action, contact Meyers Law Group today by calling (631) 784-7722.