State Legislature Passes Senator James Sanders Jr.'s Bill on Domestic Violence

The New York State Senate yesterday unanimously passed a bill (S.1789) introduced by State Senator James Sanders Jr. to provide more protection for victims of domestic violence.  Under current law, communications between rape victims and counselors are privileged and cannot be disclosed in Court except under certain circumstances.  Senator Sanders' bill would extend those same privileges to victims of domestic violence.  Currently 27 states have passed laws to extend these privileges to victims of domestic violence. The New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence has designated Senator Sanders' bill as a priority bill this legislative session.