Domestic Violence Reform Legislation Needed in New York State

ALBANY, NY (11/19/2011)(readMedia)-- The National Organization for Women-New York State (NOW-NYS) is pleased to join Tri-County Crisis Center, Inc.(TCCC). in support of Domestic Violence Reform legislative efforts. Recently Domestic Violence homicide has increased in our state; and a string of domestic homicides is the catalyst for increasing support on legislative reform and homicide prevention efforts.

In this context, NY Assembly members Kevin Cahill (D) and Ken Zebrowski (D) have introduced two measures in the form of the Domestic Violence Reform Act, which would extend the statute of limitations for domestic violence injury from one year to two years, and also an amendment to the criminal procedure law that would require judges to review bail in all cases of domestic violence.

Jackie Axt, a sister of domestic homicide victim Linda Riccardulli, remarked on the issue "I am pleased that NYS NOW is taking action on domestic violence reform legislation. Their core values of fairness, equality and experience fighting for reform in society are what we need to make changes, so that more lives are not devalued and lost to domestic violence."

NOW-NYS President Marcia Pappas explains: "Domestic homicide is the most predictable crime in the United States; it is also the most preventable. Resources and policy need dramatic reform in order to better serve victims."

Other activist organizations are weighing in on this critical issue."Tri-County Crisis Center President Maria DiBari remarked: "As a domestic violence survivor and TCCC President I concur that NOW's support is vital in the domestic violence reform effort." And Survivors In Action founder Alexis Moore remarked: "DV Reform is long overdue as victims are being left behind by the existing resources and public policy. Survivors In Action is grateful for the work that NOW-NYS is doing in regards to this issue; and we hope that other State NOWs will follow their lead."

Pappas concludes: "Domestic Violence Reform is badly needed both nationally and in NY State."