New York, NY – Legislation sponsored by Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan) prohibiting the State from forcing victims of domestic violence to contact their abusers in order to receive State services was signed into law recently by Governor Paterson.

The law amended the Social Services Law by adding a section which establishes that the State cannot compel a victim of domestic violence to contact his or her abuser. It further provides that should such contact need to be made, the governmental entity will assign an intermediary to act on behalf of the victim in a manner that will protect the privacy, confidentiality and current location of the victim.

The Assembly bill, A.3843-A, was sponsored in the State Senate by Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson (D/WF-Bronx and Westchester).

“Domestic violence is not acceptable and should not be tolerated,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal. “However, continued reports of such violence in the news are a disconcerting indication of the gravity and pervasiveness of abuse. I have always supported legislative measures that will create a safer and more just world for these victims. This law will help to ensure that victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse receive the help and support that they deserve.”

People seeking social services from New York State must undergo a stringent screening process that requires them to provide numerous forms of documentation. This has had the unintended consequence of putting battered women at risk, and even denying some of them access to services such as public housing, because a victim is often forced to contact an abuser in order to obtain all of the documentation required by the state. When victims are unable to do this, or refuse to contact their abuser, they are denied state services.

“Victims of domestic violence face many daunting challenges when beginning their lives again after abuse,” said Senator Hassell-Thompson. “The emotional strain of having to contact their abusers should not be a burden that they endure alone. This new law provides a level of both physical and emotional protection to victims by having the various government agencies provide an intermediary if the abuser must indeed be contacted,” she said.

Assemblymember Rosenthal said, “I am thrilled that, despite Albany’s problems, the Assembly and Senate were able to pass this essential piece of legislation. It will ensure the provision of critical services to women who have suffered from abuse. My colleagues clearly realize that the fight for women’s rights, health and safety is an ongoing battle. I’m pleased that the Governor also recognized the importance of further protecting the rights of survivors of domestic violence and abuse and signed the bill into law.”

Ariel Zwang, Chief Executive Officer of Safe Horizon, the nation’s leading victim assistance organization, whose mission is to provide support, prevent violence and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families and communities said, “Safe Horizon applauds Assemblymember Rosenthal for ensuring that victims of domestic violence who apply for public housing and other benefits are not obligated to contact their abusers to obtain basic documentation.” Zwang also commented, “This common-sense legislation will help guard against victims being re-traumatized by their batterers while preserving the State’s eligibility requirements for public benefits. We congratulate Assembly Member Rosenthal for her leadership on this issue.”