Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa, emphasized the importance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and highlighted her commitment to supporting survivors and holding abusers accountable.
“Domestic violence is too often a tragedy that goes unreported and isn’t talked about,” Assemblywoman Jenne said.
“Raising awareness and giving a voice to survivors is critical to helping more people escape the cycle of abuse and build a new life,” she added.
Assemblywoman Jenne has championed measures to help survivors of domestic violence break free and get the support and resources they need to move forward.
She helped pass legislation earlier this year to allow victims of domestic violence to be released from telephone, cable and shared wireless contracts without cancellation fees to prevent contracts from tying them to their abusers.
She also supported a bill preventing employers from discriminating against employees who are victims of domestic violence so more survivors are able to keep or find jobs and gain financial independence.
Assemblywoman Jenne also voted for legislation to ensure survivors understand their legal rights and access to services during both criminal and family court proceedings.
She supported a bill to increase the statute of limitations in actions for injuries occurring as a result of domestic violence in civil court proceedings from one to two years.
And to help more survivors access care without fear, Assemblywoman Jenne championed legislation to require health insurers to provide victims of domestic violence with the option of having claim information and benefits sent to an alternative mailing address.
“Health care, employment, legal rights – these are all vital footholds that allow victims of domestic violence to take that uncertain first step out of a dangerous and violent home situation and set foot on a new path,” Assemblywoman Jenne said.
“This month and every month, we must remember how important it is to believe and support survivors as they pick up the pieces of their lives,” she noted.
Assemblywoman Jenne has also backed legislation to ensure abusers and dangerous individuals don’t have access to firearms.
She helped pass a measure to establish “extreme risk” protection orders to allow courts to prevent individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others from purchasing or having firearms.
Assemblywoman Jenne also worked to make the Domestic Violence Escalation Prevention Act law to keep guns out of the hands of abusers.
Help and support for anyone experiencing domestic violence is always available, Assemblywoman Jenne noted.
Survivors or loved ones can reach out to New York’s toll-free hotline 24 hours a day at 1- 800-942-6906.
For local assistance, The Victims Assistance Center of Jefferson County can be reached at 866-782-1855 and Renewal House in St. Lawrence County has a 24-hour hotline at 315-379-9845.
