“In wake of the recent events that have taken place in Massachusetts and locally in Rotterdam, the types of struggles victims and their families face in the aftermath of a tragedy have been brought to the forefront,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam). “Horrific violence can be so traumatic; it can have lasting effects on survivors and their families. They need a support system to help as they work towards putting their lives back together.”

In honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 21-27, the Assembly passed a package of bills to give crime victims and their families the support they need to get back on their feet. The legislation would:

• allow individuals with significant long-term relationships with homicide victims to be eligible for compensation from the Crime Victims Board for actual out-of-pocket losses and counseling expenses (A.4024);
• allow courts to direct a portion of certain fines and civil penalties to the Office of Victim Services (A.5386); and
• change the reporting requirements pertaining to restitution and fair treatment standards for the Office of Victim Services to allow for a more thorough analysis of the manner in which crime victims’ needs are met (A.5388).