Fact:
A woman is sexually assaulted every two minutes.
Fact:
Nearly one-third of murdered women were killed by their current
or former partner.
Fact:
Almost half of reported domestic violence assaults result in
serious bodily injury.*
Fact:
The Assembly is helping crime victims.
Assembly passes legislation supporting victims
In recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 26–May 2, the Assembly passed a package
of bills to help violent crime victims get the help they need. Assemblyman Brook-Krasny believes we
have a duty to reduce the number of victims in New York and help those who are suffering through these
horrible ordeals.
Assistance for crime victims
Crime victims have experienced trauma and pain, both mentally and physically. The Assembly’s package
of legislation provides assistance to victims and their families through improved advocacy, counseling
programs and financial compensation.
These bills:
- create an office of crime victims ombudsman in order to investigate complaints brought by
crime victims regarding mistreatment, improper handling or disposition of claims and ensure proper
treatment of victims by government agencies and service providers. The measure would establish a
toll-free telephone number for victims to report complaints (A.521)
- help curb the rise in bias-related and hate crimes by establishing a civil remedy for victims
who were subject to intentional acts of physical injury, death, or damage to their property
because of a belief or perception regarding the victim’s race, color, national origin, ancestry,
gender, religion, age, disability or sexual orientation (A.529)
- enable crime victims to be reimbursed for transportation costs for necessary court appearances
(A.6532-A)
Easing the devastation of domestic violence
Assemblyman Brook-Krasny knows that domestic violence is a serious, widespread social problem that
makes a devastating and lasting impact on its victims and their families. These victims require
special measures to protect them from their abusers and to help them heal. This package of bills
will:
- grant victims of domestic or sexual violence 90 days of unpaid leave from their employment in
order to resolve related legal issues and seek the proper care – and entitle them to return to the
same position (A.438-B)
- prohibit housing discrimination against domestic violence victims by forbidding landlords and
property sellers from denying them the right to purchase, rent, lease or inhabit housing because
of involvement in a domestic dispute (A.1055-A)
- require criminal or family court judges to inquire about the defendant’s or respondent’s
possession of a firearm when orders of protection are sought (A.4320-A)
