"
275 Activists Gather to Encourage Legislation
That Would Provide
Economic Independence for Victims of Domestic Violence"
LAD Press Release (Pdf)
(Albany, NY) - Over 275 activists from across the state gathered today at the Legislative
Office Building to promote economic independence for victims of domestic violence. The annual
Legislative Awareness Day organized by the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence,
was themed "Economic Independence: A Stimulus for Safety".
The advocates called on Senate and Assembly Leadership to support economic independence
for survivors of domestic violence. They asked that legislators pass legislation that will ensure
survivors have access to unpaid leaves of absence, are provided protection from employment and
housing discrimination, and can obtain divorces from their abusers without undue cost or delay and
be treated fairly regarding maintenance and equitable distribution of property.
"There are many potential facets of power and control in a domestic violence. One of the
lesser known is economic control," said Jessica Vasquez, Chief Executive Officer of the New York
State Coalition Against Domestic Violence. "Economic independence is indispensable to safety.
Survivors can only realize that independence if the ordinary pathways for doing so neither
discriminate against them nor inhibit their efforts. Currently, there are too many roadblocks for
victims of domestic violence."
Assemblymember Amy Paulin said in regards to her sponsorship of the Anti-discrimination
Employment Bill, S.1166/A.755, "My legislation will make it unlawful for employers to
discriminate against victims of domestic violence in hiring or employment practices, helping to
ensure victims' safety and economic viability. It is not unusual for a victim of domestic violence to
need time away from work to confer with an attorney or domestic violence counselor, appear in
Court, seek medical attention, arrange for alternative housing or recuperate from injuries. This
proposal will prevent employers from terminating or demoting victims because they need time off
or flexible hours as a protective measure."
"For many victims of domestic violence and stalking, their employment situation is their
only stable environment," said Senator Craig M. Johnson, sponsor of S.958-A. "My measure will
ensure that these victims will be able to hold onto this stability and independence as they work to
rebuild their lives. It will also give us one more tool in the fight to combat domestic violence in our
communities."
Assemblymember Helene Weinstein, sponsor of The Divorce Reform Act, A. 2580, said "In
nearly three decades of working on behalf of victims of domestic violence and their children, I
believe that while considering reform of New York State's divorce laws, it is important to address
economic inequities in the current law that create barriers for women from leaving their abusive
relationships. It is also important to facilitate access to representation in these matters by providing
for counsel fees for non-monied spouses. This is particularly important in these most difficult
economic times where service providers are seeing a dramatic increase in calls for services from
domestic violence survivors."
Every person deserves and needs to feel a real sense of independence, whether financial, or
safety in their homes," said Assemblymember Susan John, sponsor of A.438. "That is especially true
for victims of domestic violence. My legislation allows for victims of domestic violence to regain
control of their lives without the lost of employment and is a small step to gaining economic and
safety independence. I look forward to working with Senator Johnson and NYS Coalition Against
Domestic Violence to ensure this important civil rights legislation becomes law."
Maya Raghu, senior staff attorney at Legal Momentum stated, "Legal Momentum salutes
the NYS Coalition Against Domestic Violence for focusing much-needed attention on the economic
security of survivors of domestic and sexual violence and stalking. Getting and keeping a job and
safe housing is critical to enabling victims to leave a violent situation and maintain financial and
personal independence. It's an especially pressing concern in these difficult economic times."
Ellen Schell, legal director at The Legal Project stated, "Our divorce laws often represent a
legal Catch-22 for married victims. We, as a society, expect victims to "leave" abusive spouses. We
hold them responsible in myriad ways if they do not take the steps we think are reasonable. A
victim married to an abuser is legally tied through a bond that may be difficult or impossible to
dissolve. Victims of domestic violence need safety and independence, and our current system of
divorce laws does not reliably provide them with either.".
The advocates also appealed to legislators to fight the proposed budget cuts that will make
it harder for survivors to seek help, pursue and attain economic stability, and receive justice.
Programs advocating on behalf of survivors, who rely on a broad array of human services that will
be negatively impacted and in some cases devastated by the Governor's proposed cuts, asked the
legislature to ensure that funding for domestic violence programs, integrated domestic
violence courts, civil legal services, and public assistance be protected. NYSCADV supports the Fair Share
Tax Campaign, Better Choice Budget Campaign, ES2, and One New York in calling on the
Governor to support progressive revenue generating measures to meet the State's budget gaps.
The morning program featured an array of speakers including: Maya Raghu, Senior Staff
Attorney at Legal Momentum; Ellen Schell, Legal Director at The Legal Project; and several
sponsors of NYSCADV's priority legislation: Assemblymember Helene Weinstein,
Assemblymember Amy Paulin, Assemblymember Susan John, Assemblymember RoAnn Destito,
Senator Craig Johnson, and Jessica F. Vasquez, Chief Executive Officer, New York State Coalition
Against Domestic Violence.
Press Release; October, 2008
"Bill Expanding Access to Family Court Signed into Law!
(July 22, 2008) Albany - Today, Governor Paterson took the final step to
end New York's 20-year marathon to expand access to civil orders of protection
for all victims of domestic violence, by signing into law a bill
(S.8665 Winner/A.11707 Weinstein) that ensures New York will join the
rest of the nation in providing those protections, regardless of marital,
parental, or blood relative status, via Family and Integrated Domestic
Violence Courts. This bill reached a critical milestone during the 2007-2008
legislative session with the highly celebrated first-time passage of the
Senate bill, companion to the Assembly bill championed by Assemblywoman
Weinstein for each of the 20 years.
Intimate partners, including those in dating or co-habiting relationships,
same-sex relationships and teen relationships, will now have access to civil
orders of protection, a key tool in both the intervention and prevention of
domestic violence. Expanding access to this important protection also expands
application of New York's mandatory arrest laws and stricter penalties for
certain violations of orders of protection.
According to Jessica Vasquez, executive director at NYS Coalition Against
Domestic Violence, "The hard work and perseverance of many has come to
fruition in this resounding victory to ensure fair and equitable access to
civil orders of protection for all victims of domestic violence. We
especially thank Governor Paterson for his commitment to correct this
injustice and bill sponsors Assemblywoman Weinstein and Senator Winner,
whose leadership prevailed against the many struggles in advancing this
bill. Most of all, we thank the innumerable advocates whose tireless
work assisting victims of domestic violence has long informed us that
too many victims had fundamental legal options closed to them, and whose
20-year effort to expand those options will make New York's response to
domestic violence more effective and more just."
Longtime women and children's rights leader Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein
championed this legislation for 20 years in the Assembly, where it passed
unanimously in numerous sessions. The Assembly has been unwavering in its
commitment to ensure all victims of domestic violence are afforded equal
protections under the law in New York. According to Assemblywoman Weinstein
(D-W, Brooklyn), "Passage of this long overdue legislation represents a great
victory for New Yorkers, and in particular, represents a tribute to the many
tireless advocates who work hard day in and day out on behalf of the victims
of domestic violence. Working together, we have been able to greatly expand
the protections available to all victims of domestic violence."
NYSCADV is pleased to have worked closely with Senator Winner on this
initiative and welcomes another strong voice for domestic violence in the
Senate. "It's been a longstanding effort to provide all victims of domestic
violence with equal protection," said Senator George Winner (R-C-I, Elmira).
"This legislation finally brings New York into line with every other state
in the nation." NYSCADV especially appreciates Senators Winner and Bruno for
working during this tumultuous legislative session to move the bill through
committee and onto the floor for a vote. We applaud them for promoting an
atmosphere of cooperation on this important issue and thank the Senate for
unanimously voting to widen the doors of Family Court.
NYSCADV extends a very special thanks and congratulations to all those
domestic violence programs and legal service providers who have worked
tirelessly for the passage of the bill since its initial introduction in
1988. With strong and steady effort, culminating in this year's formation
of the Fair Access Coalition (made up of over 190 organizations and
individuals), advocates across New York State have great reason to celebrate
this tremendous success! We look forward to advocating for the many other
important domestic violence bills supported by the Senate and Assembly
that now can be considered on their merits, rather than sidelined by the
different definitions of family and household member."
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Learn more about the Coalition's Mission and
Services or if you wish to inquire about
NYSCADV Membership,
making a
Donation
or for general assistance please
contact our office:
NYSCADV
350 New Scotland Avenue
Albany New York, 12208
Phone: 518-482-5465
Fax: 518-482-3807
Email:
nyscadv@nyscadv.org
