New York Lawmakers Seek To Strengthen Domestic Violence Statute
NEW YORK (WCBS 880) - Albany is looking to put some teeth into the state's domestic violence law. Lawmakers want to put repeat offenders behind bars before they cause serious harm to other potential victims.
The legislation is dedicated to NYPD officer Alain Schaberger, who was killed in March while responding to a domestic violence call.
His father, Paul, gathered with Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr. and state lawmakers Friday pushing for its passage in the eight days before the end of the session.
WCBS 880's Marla Diamond at Manhattan Supreme Court
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"Those who are guilty of repeated crimes of domestic violence have shown that consideration and compassion have no effect. It is time for stricter punishment," said Schaberger.
State Sen. Daniel Squadron's legislation would establish the felony level crime of aggravated domestic violence for abusers who commit two offenses within five years.
"Officer Schaberger's death was at the hands of a person who would have been a felon if this bill were the law in New York state," said Squadron.
Vance said 38 percent of victims are abused again within six months.
"Our criminal justice system is failing domestic violence victims. We can, we must do a better job of protecting them," said Vance.
