Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D-Babylon) announced the Assembly passed a series of bills to address the issue of domestic violence and provide better assistance, protection and justice to victims throughout New York State.

“The statistics are staggering,” said Assemblywoman Jean-Pierre. “One in four women will be victims of domestic violence sometime in their life. Most of these victims suffering at the hands of someone they loved. The measures passed yesterday make great strides in breaking down the many barriers that these victims face every day.”

Domestic violence takes a devastating toll on victims, both physically and emotionally, and for those who have suffered, it can take years to repair their lives. The Assembly’s legislation is part of a commitment to providing victims the support and resources they need.

The Assembly’s legislation would:

• prohibit domestic violence offenders from possessing or purchasing a firearm (A.5257 and A.6340);
• require police to promptly translate domestic violence incident reports that are filled out in a language other than English, as well as provide the notification of victims’ rights in a victim’s native language (A.4347);
• require the interpretation of orders of protection in court proceedings (A.162); and
• require hospitals to establish procedures regarding domestic violence and ongoing training programs for staff, and to designate a hospital staff member to coordinate services to victims (A.1232).
• allow victims to recover non-economic damages from any or all defendants found liable for failure to obey or enforce domestic violence orders of protection or temporary orders of protection (A.260);
• require wireless telephone companies to allow victims of domestic violence to opt out of shared or family plans without incurring any penalties (A.326); and
• establish a pilot program that would allow victims of domestic violence to electronically file petitions for temporary orders of protection (A.6262).

Specifically, the Assembly’s legislation would prohibit employment discrimination against victims of domestic violence (A.272) as well as discrimination related to housing, including preventing individuals from being evicted due to their status as a victim (A.6354-A).

“We need to continue to find ways to help domestic violence victims put their lives back together, overcome discrimination and hold their abusers accountable,” said Assemblywoman Jean-Pierre. “I will continue fighting for the rights of all domestic violence victims and will remain a strong voice for them in Albany.”

Victims of domestic violence and sexual assault can seek help 24 hours a day by calling New York’s toll-free hotline at 1-800-942-6906. For further information, visit the New York State Office of Victim Services’ website at ovs.ny.gov or the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence website at opdv.ny.gov. Locally, contact Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s 24-hour hotline at 631-666-8833.