"Bill Expanding Access to Family Court Signed into Law! (July 22, 2008) Albany - Today, Governor Paterson took the final step to end New York's 20-year marathon to expand access to civil orders of protection for all victims of domestic violence, by signing into law a bill (S.8665 Winner/A.11707 Weinstein) that ensures New York will join the rest of the nation in providing those protections, regardless of marital, parental, or blood relative status, via Family and Integrated Domestic Violence Courts. This bill reached a critical milestone during the 2007-2008 legislative session with the highly celebrated first-time passage of the Senate bill, companion to the Assembly bill championed by Assemblywoman Weinstein for each of the 20 years.

Intimate partners, including those in dating or co-habiting relationships, same-sex relationships and teen relationships, will now have access to civil orders of protection, a key tool in both the intervention and prevention of domestic violence. Expanding access to this important protection also expands application of New York's mandatory arrest laws and stricter penalties for certain violations of orders of protection.

According to Jessica Vasquez, executive director at NYS Coalition Against Domestic Violence, "The hard work and perseverance of many has come to fruition in this resounding victory to ensure fair and equitable access to civil orders of protection for all victims of domestic violence. We especially thank Governor Paterson for his commitment to correct this injustice and bill sponsors Assemblywoman Weinstein and Senator Winner, whose leadership prevailed against the many struggles in advancing this bill. Most of all, we thank the innumerable advocates whose tireless work assisting victims of domestic violence has long informed us that too many victims had fundamental legal options closed to them, and whose 20-year effort to expand those options will make New York's response to domestic violence more effective and more just."

Longtime women and children's rights leader Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein championed this legislation for 20 years in the Assembly, where it passed unanimously in numerous sessions. The Assembly has been unwavering in its commitment to ensure all victims of domestic violence are afforded equal protections under the law in New York. According to Assemblywoman Weinstein (D-W, Brooklyn), "Passage of this long overdue legislation represents a great victory for New Yorkers, and in particular, represents a tribute to the many tireless advocates who work hard day in and day out on behalf of the victims of domestic violence. Working together, we have been able to greatly expand the protections available to all victims of domestic violence."

NYSCADV is pleased to have worked closely with Senator Winner on this initiative and welcomes another strong voice for domestic violence in the Senate. "It's been a longstanding effort to provide all victims of domestic violence with equal protection," said Senator George Winner (R-C-I, Elmira). "This legislation finally brings New York into line with every other state in the nation." NYSCADV especially appreciates Senators Winner and Bruno for working during this tumultuous legislative session to move the bill through committee and onto the floor for a vote. We applaud them for promoting an atmosphere of cooperation on this important issue and thank the Senate for unanimously voting to widen the doors of Family Court.

NYSCADV extends a very special thanks and congratulations to all those domestic violence programs and legal service providers who have worked tirelessly for the passage of the bill since its initial introduction in 1988. With strong and steady effort, culminating in this year's formation of the Fair Access Coalition (made up of over 190 organizations and individuals), advocates across New York State have great reason to celebrate this tremendous success! We look forward to advocating for the many other important domestic violence bills supported by the Senate and Assembly that now can be considered on their merits, rather than sidelined by the different definitions of family and household member."