(New City, NY) -- Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski (D-West Nyack) and Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester) announced that their legislation to allow domestic violence victims to report an incident of abuse to any law enforcement agency in New York State has been signed into law by Governor Cuomo (A.4467-A/S.1243-B).

The legislators stood at a press conference last week with the Center for Safety & Change and advocate Angela Rivera to urge for the signing of this bill. They highlighted the importance of allowing survivors to file a complaint with any law enforcement agency across the state. Previously, individuals were only able to report an incident of domestic abuse to the police who have jurisdiction over that area. This law will hopefully lead to an increase in domestic violence reporting, encouraging survivors to come forward. Additionally, this will ensure that survivors are able to leave the area where their abuser is located in order to get to safety. Requiring individuals to return to the area where the attack occurred, leaves them vulnerable and at risk to their abuser.

“I want to thank Governor Cuomo for signing this important measure that will empower victims of domestic violence to safely report crimes to law enforcement. By allowing domestic violence victims to file a complaint to any agency statewide, individuals will be provided with the ability to report crimes without fear or intimidation by their abuser. This legislation will hopefully lead to an increase in the reporting of domestic violence incidents and will allow victims to promptly leave the area where their abuser is located and get to safety. I’d also like to thank Senator Carlucci and domestic violence advocates, including the Center for Safety & Change, for bringing this issue to the forefront,” said Assemblyman Zebrowski.

"Our bill, which the Governor has signed into law, will lead to increased domestic violence reporting, allow survivors to get to safety, and hopefully prevent future tragedies. I thank Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski, Center For Safety & Change and survivor Angela Rivera for working with me on this legislation and seeing it through to the end,” said Senator Carlucci.