Progress We Have Made

Latest Updates & Advocacy Highlights

fm=f_6y9BN71

Kyra’s Law

Kyra’s Law (NYS Bill S5998/A6194) is a proposed New York legislation aimed at reforming family courts to prioritize child safety in custody cases. It mandates that courts prioritize children's safety, requires judicial training on abuse, and ensures risks are addressed...
fm=f_12605

Coerced Debt Bill

The New York State Coerced Debt Bill (signed into law in December 2025 as S1353B/A3038B, also referred to in later amendments as A9460/S8830) is landmark legislation designed to protect survivors of domestic violence and economic abuse from being held liable...
fm=f_7650

Expanding Crime Victim Awards

Clarifies and Expands the Meaning of “Welfare” in Relation to Crime Victim Awards: This bill, S.156, sponsored by Senator Julia Salazar, would expand the definition of “essential personal property” as it relates to determining awards for crime victims, ensuring those...
fm=f_730a0q8

Public Housing Waiting List Priorities for Domestic Violence

This bill, S.871, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, would require public housing authorities that have established waiting list priorities to grant domestic violence survivors applying for public housing the same priority as other prioritized populations.Where is the bill at now:...
fm=f_5ZRz7eJ

Combatting Coerced Debt

This bill, S.1353A, sponsored by Senator Cordell Cleare, would protect survivors of domestic violence and others who have been victims of economic abuse by establishing a right of action for claims arising out of coerced debt.Where is the bill at...
fm=f_DxnZPOm

Stop Using Intoxication Defense!

Removing ‘Voluntary Intoxication’ Exclusion: This bill, S.54, sponsored by Senator Nathalia Fernandez, would prohibit the use of the intoxication of victims as a defense in sex crimes, and establish that a person who is voluntarily intoxicated can be incapable of...