The New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NYSCADV) has named Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (D-Scarsdale) a leader in the fight against domestic violence. Paulin is one of thirty New Yorkers who have been selected by the not-for-profit organization, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, for their hard work and on-going dedication to the cause.

“Through her work in the New York State Assembly, Amy Paulin has long been a champion for women, and the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence is proud to name her as a leader in the fight to eradicate domestic violence,” said NYSCADV Executive Director Jessica F. Vasquez.

Assemblywoman Paulin has authored several pieces of legislation that deal with domestic violence, including laws which:

• revoke firearm license privileges for individuals who have been issued an order of protection and who have been found to have violated orders of protection in the past (Ch. 198 of 2007);
• increase the maximum duration of orders of protection issued in a criminal court proceeding (Ch. 215 of 2006);
• provide that in any civil proceeding a court may authorize any party to keep his or her address confidential where the court finds revealing the address would pose an unreasonable risk to the health or safety of a party (Ch. 111 of 2004); and
• increase the maximum duration of orders of protection issued in a family court proceeding (Ch. 579 of 2003).

In addition, Assemblywoman Paulin has also sponsored legislation to:

• prohibit employers from discriminating against victims of domestic violence or stalking (A.1222-A);
• establish a criminal penalty for those who prevent domestic violence victims from making telephone calls or electronic requests for emergency assistance (A.614);
• require a court, when determining recognizance or bail in domestic violence cases, to consider factors that could intimidate or injure a victim or witness (A.747);
• direct social services to contract with non-residential programs for victims of domestic violence to provide outreach and education to students in public and private high schools, which will be reimbursed by the state (A.7237).

“Domestic violence is an especially devastating crime because you’re being hurt by someone you love and someone you think loves you,” said Assemblywoman Paulin. “Women are most often the targets and victims of these crimes, and it’s absolutely paramount that we do all we can to protect them. Keeping women safe and healthy will always be among my top priorities in my work in the Assembly.”