Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) joined fellow members of the Assembly Minority Conference on Tuesday, January 23, to unveil a task force report on preventing domestic violence in New York. Five regional forums were held across New York to bring together domestic abuse survivors, legislators, advocates and members of law enforcement to explore different ways to stop in-home violence from occurring and how to better assist victims.

“When domestic violence occurs, trust is broken, something that can be hard to repair,” said Ra. “We need to help repair domestic violence victim’s ability to trust by providing them with the proper assistance and protection. They deserve to live a happy and safe life just like any other New Yorker.”

Initiatives included in the report,“A Safe Haven: Helping Abuse Victims and Enhancing Protections,” are:

• New legislation to make committing domestic violence in the presence of a minor a much more serious offense.
• Provide more options to temporarily shelter pets.
• Declare domestic violence a public health crisis statewide.
• Provide funds to help with the cost of living while victims seek help and distance themselves from their abusers.

“We hope that the Assembly Majority and the governor will take our proposals and findings into consideration in the addressment of this issue,” said Ra. “Domestic violence affects more people than we realize, as not only do many cases go unreported, but the loved ones of victims are affected as well. We must work together to put a stop to domestic violence and create a safe home for all New Yorkers.”