Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins Leads Passage of Legislation to Empower Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence Seeking Justice

(Albany, NY) – Under the leadership of NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stwart-Cousins, the State Senate passed legislation on Wednesday to strengthen the rights of victims of domestic and sexual violence and strengthen protections for survivors. This legislation builds on the Senate’s recent victories in helping secure $35.7 million in this year’s Budget to combat and prosecute domestic violence crimes, and enacting New York’s “Rape is Rape” Act, which significantly broadens the scope of what would be legally classified as rape. 

“Under my leadership, the Senate has passed a crucial legislative package to ensure survivors of domestic and sexual violence have every resource and protection,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. “This package clarifies procedures and genuinely prioritizes victims’ rights, making a significant difference in the lives of survivors, ensuring true justice and accountability for those impacted in Westchester County and throughout New York State.” 

This legislative package includes measures that would prevent the voluntary intoxication of a victim from being used as a permissible defense in sex crimes; require extreme risk protection orders to be added to the statewide computerized registry; and expand the definition of “welfare” to increase the amount for awards made to crime victims. 

“My Sisters’ Place has been advocating on behalf of victims of gender-based violence for almost 50 years, and we are grateful for Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and her unwavering commitment to survivors,” said Suzanne Seiden, Co-Chair, My Sisters’ Place Board of Directors. “New York is leading the way in creating more equitable access for those made vulnerable by all forms of abuse, and we look forward to continuing to advance the needs of those we serve.”

“The Pace Women’s Justice Center is profoundly grateful to Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins for her longtime support of our work providing free legal services to survivors and break the cycles of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse,” said Cindy Kanusher, Esq, Executive Director, Pace Women’s Justice Center. “We commend the NYS Senate for passing legislation that prioritizes the rights and protections of domestic violence survivors, which sends the important message that we will work together towards ending domestic violence.” 

For more information about the domestic violence legislation, click here.