Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF, WE - Sag Harbor) announced he helped pass legislation to aid crime victims, including measures ensuring they have access to counseling and financial support. In addition, several bills in the package combat human trafficking.

“Victims of crimes can suffer in many different ways, including physically, emotionally and psychologically,” Assemblyman Thiele said. “We need to do everything we can to ensure that here in New York, we’re not treating victims like criminals, but with compassion. This legislation limits financial hardship and other repercussions, while also providing support such as counseling that helps crime victims get back on their feet and move forward with their lives.”

Combating human trafficking

The Assembly legislation outlines improved procedures for identifying and providing prompt support for trafficked persons, including enhanced efforts to provide housing and counseling for victims A.3223. Another piece of legislation exempts those convicted of a prostitution offense – or who are identified as victims of trafficking – from having to provide DNA to be included in the state database if the offense was a result of being a victim of human trafficking A.1030.

Additionally, a bill was passed mandating that commercial casino gaming employees complete training procedures for identifying possible victims of human trafficking A.7034.

“Sadly, criminals are trafficking people right under our noses,” Assemblyman Thiele said. “Often, they come through everyday places. By training employees to know what to look for, we could rescue more victims. And with these measures, we’ll be able to get human trafficking victims the support they so desperately need to create their own bright future.”

Ensuring eligibility for compensation

Fear and shame keep many crime victims from seeking police help first, while others may be too emotionally overwhelmed. Legislation passed by the Assembly allows the state Office of Victim Services to accept certain other official documents instead of only police reports to determine compensation eligibility for victims of a family offense A.3936.

“Every crime and every victim are different,” Assemblyman Thiele said. “Just because someone didn’t go to the police first, doesn’t mean the crime didn’t happen and the pain isn’t real, and it most definitely shouldn’t stand in the way as the person does everything they can to heal and move on.”

Providing financial support for victims and their families

The Assembly passed several bills to help provide financial support to victims and their families. One bill allows courts to direct all or a portion of certain fines to the Office of Victim Services A.3555, creating another revenue source to fund its victims’ assistance and victims’ award programs. Additional measures allow victims to receive reimbursement for transportation costs associated with necessary court appearances, as well as expand victims’ benefits to include out-of-pocket expenses, including for counseling, for domestic partners of homicide victims A.3920, A.6857. Further, the legislative package expands the eligibility of reimbursement for crime scene cleanup to include additional family members, when the victim was killed in their shared residence A.7281.

“This legislation helps people get the emotional support and financial assistance they need as they go through the grieving process,” Assemblyman Thiele said. “With that type of support, we can help victims and their families move forward.”

Safeguarding individuals who report crimes

Also included in the legislative package is a bill that protects the right of tenants to report criminal acts, including acts of domestic violence, without the fear of losing their housing as the result of landlord actions or local nuisance laws A.2919. Currently, many municipalities throughout the state have nuisance laws, which can be overly broad and, as a result, dissuade victims from calling the police or reporting crimes. Further, landlords would be protected from any penalties for respecting the rights of tenants to request police or emergency assistance.

“No one should ever hesitate to call for help because they are afraid of losing their home,” Assemblyman Thiele said. “We need to protect victims and people who are willing to step up, do the right thing, and report a crime. That’s how we make our communities stronger and safer.”