Legislators May Enact New Domestic Violence Bill in NY

Legislators in New York State are working together to get a new bill enacted that would help protect victims of domestic violence.

The new bill, referred to as the Aggravated Domestic Violence bill, has gotten support from both sides of the aisle. If the bill is pushed through, it would create a new class E felony charge just for repeat domestic violence offenders. According to Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr., the newspapers report incidences of domestic violence each week, that "virtually every week the public is saddened and horrified by the news of another domestic violence related murder."

Statistics released by the New York City Mayor's Office show that 38 percent of victims who identify themselves as domestic violence victims are hurt again within a period of six months. However, the current state law for repeat domestic violence offenders is that they will receive the same misdemeanor charge whether they have abused ten or 100 times.

Struggling as a domestic violence victim? Get the legal help you need to stop the abuse bycontacting our firm and working with a Long Island family law attorney.