Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Codes Committee Chair Joseph Lentol and Governmental Operations Committee Chair Steve Englebright today announced the approval of a legislative package aimed at improving treatment and services for crime victims.

"A just society acknowledges the devastating consequences crimes have on individuals, families, and communities by ensuring that resources and services are available to those who have been victimized," said Silver. "The legislative package approved today reinforces the Assembly's commitment to securing justice for all crime victims and takes significant steps towards increasing supportive services and safeguarding victims and their loved ones."

In recognition of National Crime Victims' Rights Week the Assembly approved legislation that would:

• expand eligibility for crime victims' compensation to include domestic partners (A.4024/Glick);
• consolidate the reporting requirements for the New York State Crime Victims' Board and change certain reporting requirements from annually to every two years (A.5388/Englebright);
• permit courts to direct anti-trust fines to be paid to the New York State Crime Victims' Board to compensate victims for counseling services and out-of-pocket losses (A.5386/Englebright); and
• require the Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking to meet at least three times a year to evaluate and gather information on services for victims of human trafficking (A.5538-A/Hevesi).

"Historically, victims of crime have been underserved due to a lack of understanding of the profound effects that those who have been victimized endure after their traumatic experience," said Lentol. "During National Crime Victims' Week the Assembly recognizes victims' rights by approving legislation that empowers survivors with the tools and assistance needed to begin to rebuild their lives."

"New York has continuously been a leader in expanding rights, protections, and services for victims of crime. However, too many victims are still not able to realize the hope and promise of these gains," said Englebright. "Provisions included in this legislative package will make it easier for victims to access supportive services that will help them become empowered and successful."

Connie Neal, Executive Director, New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said, "I applaud the Assembly for the passage of this critical legislative package which will strengthen New York's response to the needs of crime victims."