Klein Legislation to Protect Domestic Violence Victims Passes Senate

 Important legislation by Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, (D-Bronx/ Westchester), that would protect victims of domestic violence from their abusers passed unanimously today in the State Senate.

The measure, (S.1031B), requires insurance companies to give domestic violence victims the option of registering an alternative address, phone number, or any other contact information needed to receive bills and claims. In many cases, when a victim seeks medical attention, their insurance policy is under their abuser’s name.

“Divulging details of a domestic violence victim’s whereabouts and sending it straight to their abuser’s mailbox is an unacceptable and avoidable recipe for tragedy,” Senator Klein said. “My legislation closes this dangerous loophole and helps these victims escape the cycle of abuse.”

Senator Klein’s bill would prevent claims and bills from being mailed to an abuser's address and instead be mailed directly to the victim. The bill would allow victims to provide an address where they feel safe such as a family member or friend’s home, a post office box or shelter.

The bill is pending in the Assembly.