The impact of domestic violence on our community – and across our state – is astounding to me, and I am sorry to say that statistics show an increase of domestic incidences in towns outside of New York City. Many of my colleagues and I are working to prevent domestic violence with legislation known as Brittany’s Law, named after a 12-year-old western New York girl who was brutally murdered by a convicted violent felon in a horrific act of domestic violence. However, year after year this measure goes unaddressed in the state Assembly.

Earlier this week the state Senate passed Brittany’s Law for the eighth consecutive year, and I sincerely hope my colleagues in the Assembly Majority will allow this bill to come up for a vote before the end of this year’s legislative session.

No one should feel unsafe in their own home or community. No child should face the brutality of domestic violence, or worse, fall victim to a fate similar to Brittany. Please join me in calling on the Assembly Majority to pass this bill this year (you can sign my petition on my website) so that we can help protect more New Yorkers from domestic violence.