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De Blasio Administration protecting survivors\u2019 rights, safety, paychecks and housing<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Mayor de Blasio and Council Member Ferreras-Copeland introduce legislation to provide Paid Safe Leave for domestic violence victims<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n NEW YORK (October 26, 2016):\u00a0<\/b>Mayor Bill de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray today announced a package of policies to\u00a0protect domestic violence survivors, their livelihoods and their homes.\u00a0Together with Julissa Ferreras-Copeland, Mayor de Blasio will protect survivors and their families by\u00a0introducing Paid Safe Leave legislation, which will allow survivors to take paid leave from work to attend to immediate safety needs without fear of penalty. The City will also put housing lawyers in every Family Justice Center to aggressively defend survivors\u2019 housing rights, and work with the NYPD to root out chronic offenders by instituting new practices to ensure law enforcement targets resources on the highest priority abusers and contacts every victim to ensure safety after an Order of Protection has been violated.<\/p>\n \u201cDomestic violence is a public safety menace in every neighborhood, affecting every population, and it\u2019s by confronting domestic violence that we will end the vicious cycle that perpetuates it,\u201d said\u00a0Mayor Bill de Blasio<\/strong>. \u201cWe are sending a loud and clear message \u2013 we will not tolerate domestic violence, survivors have the City\u2019s full support, and abusers must be held accountable. In the 21st century in the greatest city on earth, those who have already suffered at the hands of those they love should never have to choose between their safety and a paycheck or their home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEvery day the NYPD gets roughly 800 domestic violence calls from every social and economic class and from all over the city,\u201d said First Lady Chirlane McCray, co-Chair of the Commission on Gender Equity<\/strong>. \u201cDomestic violence is disturbingly common, and almost every one of us knows someone who has lived in fear of physical or emotional violence. It is time for us to come together as New Yorkers, protect the rights of victims and hold those who abuse others accountable.\u00a0A safe city means a city that is safe for everyone \u2013 women, children and men.\u201d<\/p>\n Across the country, jurisdictions have struggled to effectively reduce rates of domestic violence. In New York City, where crime is at historic lows, domestic violence persists. The de Blasio Administration is taking a new, interagency approach to break down silos in social service agencies and law enforcement to ensure that victims of domestic violence and their children are given the tools they need to seek safety from abuse.<\/p>\n To fight domestic violence, the City is protecting the paychecks, safety, housing and rights of survivors, as well as instituting new practices to ensure law enforcement is triaging domestic violence cases with the most sophisticated and effective approaches:<\/p>\n Protecting survivors' paychecks<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n No New Yorker should ever stay in a dangerous situation because they fear missing paid work to address safety needs, or face loss of income for recovering from abuse. Yet, victims of intimate partner violence across the US report an average of 7.2 days of work-related lost productivity per year.<\/p>\n In 2014, Mayor de Blasio signed legislation expanding Paid Sick Leave to half a million more New Yorkers, ensuring that employees who work in NYC for more than 80 hours a year can earn up to 40 hours of sick leave each year to care for themselves or a family member. Together with Julissa Ferreras-Copeland, the Mayor will protect survivors and their families by introducing Paid Safe Leave legislation, which will allow survivors to take paid leave from work to attend to immediate safety needs without fear of penalty.<\/p>\n Protecting survivors' housing<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n No survivor should ever lose their housing because of an abuser. If a person has been abused, we guarantee them a lawyer to help protect their rights and their housing.<\/p>\n Beginning immediately, the City will protect housing for survivors and their families by placing housing lawyers in Family Justice Centers \u2013 the City\u2019s comprehensive resource and support centers for victims of domestic violence\u00a0\u2013 in every borough to vigorously pursue every available option under law, including fighting to get the abuser off the lease, restricting an abuser's access to a survivor's home, transferring a lease from an abuser to a survivor, or end a lease without penalty if the survivor wants to move.\u00a0311, advocates\u00a0and the NYPD will refer survivors to the City\u2019s Family Justice Centers and proactively mention housing as part of its script of resources.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>Protecting survivors from repeat abuse<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Every abuser should know that New York City takes abuse seriously and is prioritizing quick, effective enforcement. Every victim should know that the NYPD is here to help.<\/p>\n Beginning immediately, the NYPD will use a new prioritization tool to track\u00a0chronic abuse to ensure that officers are targeting enforcement resources toward apprehending the riskiest abusers first.\u00a0And in cases where an offender violates an Order of Protection, the NYPD will also reach out to victims to connect them to safety supports.\u00a0In every domestic violence case, NYPD will use precision policing to identify and target chronic domestic violence offenders.<\/p>\n \u201cWe remain committed to using precision policing to reduce domestic violence as we have used it to address other crime,\u201d said Police Commissioner James P. O\u2019Neill<\/strong>. \u201cWe take domestic violence seriously and will continue working within the department and across this city to prevent these types of crimes.\u201d<\/p>\n Mayor\u2019s Office to Combat Domestic Violence Commissioner Cecile Noel<\/strong> said, “Mayor de Blasio's announcement today\u00a0is a loud and clear statement to all survivors of domestic violence in New York City: We stand with you and for you. Your job, your home, and your well-being should never have to be bargained in exchange for your safety. By providing options to survivors and holding offenders accountable, this Administration is once again proving its commitment to survivors and their families.”<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>Elizabeth Glazer, Director of the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice<\/strong> said, “Domestic violence is a crime, and one that New York City takes seriously. Today we take the next step to use the tools we have developed in precision policing to target chronic abusers. Today's announcement also importantly knits together social services and law enforcement to ensure that we are creating as many pathways to safety as possible. This intense focus on driving down domestic violence is how we will continue to drive not just violent crime, but all types of crime, to historic lows.”<\/p>\n Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks<\/strong> said, “Domestic violence has been one of the primary drivers of homelessness in New York City for many years. As we continue to increase support for victims of domestic violence in shelter, today's announcement moves us forward in keeping New York families in their homes and helping survivors to\u00a0move forward.\u201d<\/p>\n Council Member Julissa Ferreras-Copeland<\/strong> said, \u201cNo victim of domestic violence should question whether she can afford to do what she needs to keep herself safe. That is why we will be introducing legislation to expand the paid sick leave law. Domestic violence victims \u200eneed to move forward and stay safe. I believe supporting them and ensuring they can still receive pay while visiting lawyers or support services is the right thing to do, and I thank Mayor de Blasio for his partnership on this proposal.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVictims of domestic violence should never be at risk of losing their home or salary because they are trying to protect themselves and their family,\u201d said Public Advocate Letitia James<\/strong>. \u201cToo often, victims of domestic violence are doubly victimized – forced to miss days of work or driven out of their homes to escape repeated violence. I want to thank Mayor de Blasio for implementing these new measures that will help all New Yorkers get the support they need to feel safe and secure.\u201d<\/p>\n Borough President Eric Adams<\/strong> said, \u201cCombating domestic violence is a very personal imperative for me and for the thousands of Brooklynites who have been directly impacted by abuse, many of whom are suffering in silence. Our mission must be to strive beyond surviving for those touched by domestic violence; survivors must be thriving. Mayor de Blasio and his administration have been committed to partnering on efforts that not only further the safety of this underserved population, but also protect their homes and livelihoods. Our borough will be undaunted in advancing itself forward as a safer place for everyone to raise healthy children and families.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDomestic violence is a scourge on our society, and to end it we must ensure there is always a clear pathway to safety for victims and survivors,\u201d said\u00a0Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer<\/strong>. \u201cPaid Safe Leave and the other initiatives being announced today are important steps to help survivors break the cycle. Whenever an individual doesn\u2019t have the freedom to leave an abusive situation, we have failed.\u201d<\/p>\n Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr.,<\/strong> said, \u201cDespite the fact that New York is the safest big city in the country, far too many New Yorkers live in fear in their own homes. From our prosecutors\u2019 work in the Manhattan Family Justice Center, to initiatives to help survivors access the services they need, we are doing everything in our power to combat this pervasive crime \u2013 but we cannot fight this battle alone. The City\u2019s commitment to victims of domestic violence underscores the necessity of cross-sector collaborations that bring together City agencies, law enforcement, service providers, and advocates in a united front. I look forward to continuing to work hand-in-hand with all of our partners on this crucial public safety issue.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs Staten Island and other parts of the city experience a rise in domestic violence, it remains vital that we have the necessary resources and services in place to address the urgent needs of crime victims. My office has already taken several steps to fight on behalf of domestic violence victims so that they do not have to suffer in silence, and I commend Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Mayor\u2019s Office to Combat Domestic Violence for continuing to support our efforts with these new initiatives,\u201d said Richmond County District Attorney Michael E. McMahon.<\/strong><\/p>\n Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark<\/strong> said, \u201cI commend Mayor de\u00a0Blasio\u2019s new initiatives to protect survivors of domestic violence. He was instrumental in helping my Office establish the City\u2019s first Domestic Violence Complaint Room, so that victims can meet our Assistant District Attorneys in a more comfortable atmosphere and close to necessary services. It is located in the District Attorney\u2019s Office adjacent to the Family Justice Center, and close to our Crime Victims Assistance Unit, so that survivors of abuse can learn immediately about Paid Safe Leave, housing, child care, and other vital services. This is a perfect example of law enforcement and social service agencies\u00a0erasing boundaries and working hand-in-hand to assist in cases of domestic violence.\u201d<\/p>\n Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez<\/strong> said, \u201cI applaud the Mayor\u2019s innovative initiatives which will go a long way in helping victims of domestic violence and will make it easier for them to pursue criminal prosecutions of their abusers. This new set of tools are welcome additions to my office\u2019s comprehensive approach to fighting domestic violence, which include our Family Justice Center and ongoing educational campaigns to raise awareness.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cToo often, victims of domestic violence are forced to stay in dangerous situations because they are further threatened by homelessness, financial instability and retribution from their abusers if they try to find help. This must change,\u201d said Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney<\/strong>. \u201cWe can empower victims of abuse by ensuring they have the opportunity and the means to escape without sacrificing a roof over their heads and food on their tables. This starts with the City\u2019s actions announced today that will protect survivors\u2019 wellbeing without compromising their employment or housing, and make the NYPD more effective at responding to and reducing domestic violence incidents. I am proud that New York is once again leading the way on policies to create a safer community.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDomestic violence and intimate partner violence survivors need greater protection and support, particularly in housing, finances, and safety,\u201d said\u00a0State Senator Daniel Squadron<\/strong>. \u201cAs a long-time advocate in the Senate for enhanced DV\/IPV protections, I thank the City and Council Member Ferreras-Copeland for continued progress on this important issue.\u201d<\/p>\n State Senator Brad Hoylman<\/strong>\u00a0said, “New York City enjoys a well-earned reputation as America's safest big city, but we've also seen domestic violence more than double as a share of homicides. While Albany has made some progress on this issue,\u00a0there is much more left to do to protect survivors of domestic abuse. As we continue fighting to enact strong protections for families at the state level, I'm grateful to Mayor de Blasio for his\u00a0efforts to build a safer city for survivors of these heinous crimes.”<\/p>\n “Domestic violence is a scourge that has persisted for too long in our society. Abusers, and their victims, come in all shapes and sizes, and it\u2019s vital that we make help available and encourage people to come out of the shadows. I commend Mayor de Blasio and his administration for continuing to explore new ways to effectively protect survivors of domestic violence,” said\u00a0State Senator Liz Krueger.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThe scourge of domestic violence continues to plague the lives of too many New Yorkers,\u201d said\u00a0Assembly Member Aravella Simotas<\/strong>, Chair of the New York State Assembly\u2019s Task Force on Women\u2019s Issues. <\/strong>\u201cAs the author of legislation to protect the jobs of domestic violence victims, I understand that financial abuse is a significant part of the continuing cycle of abuse. These crimes affect every aspect of a victim\u2019s life, from personal safety to housing to work. I applaud this effort to prevent ongoing domestic violence and ensure survivors can stay in their jobs and keep a roof over their families\u2019 heads.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m happy to hear that Mayor de Blasio is addressing violent crime related to domestic violence. Our city needs to better protect victims from their abusers. Three initiatives that can be implemented immediately\u00a0should make a big dent in addressing these problems and help some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers,\u201d said\u00a0Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>“No one \u2013 no one \u2013 should feel captive in an abusive relationship. I applaud any and all steps that Mayor de Blasio and his administration can take to help and support battered partners and end this scourge. This new initiative will go a long way toward that end,\u201d said Assembly Member Luis Sepulveda.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>\u201cI applaud Mayor de Blasio for taking these important steps to fight domestic violence. I am confident that lives will be saved and the lives of many survivors will be much improved thanks to these new efforts. We must always stand strong on behalf of the victims of domestic violence and all crime victims,\u201d said\u00a0Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cI applaud Mayor de Blasio for working toward finding solutions that are responsive to the needs of domestic violence survivors,\u201d said\u00a0Assembly Member Helene E. Weinstein, Chair of the Assembly Judiciary Committee<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u201cIt's heartbreaking that for many, making the choice to leave their abuser also means making the choice to lose their pay, their employment, or their home. Today, we are taking an important step to change that. The Administration's new and holistic approach to victims services will set domestic abuse survivors up for success and I applaud their efforts to remove the economic stumbling blocks that may have kept a victim afraid to leave their abuser's home. I am further thankful that everyone with an order of protection against an abuser will now receive personal follow-up from the NYPD, better ensuring their safety. I thank Mayor de Blasio, Police Commissioner Jimmy O'Neill, and the Mayor's Office to Combat Domestic Violence Commissioner Cecile Noel for their leadership and their commitment to supporting survivors and ending domestic abuse,\u201d said Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u201cProtecting our most vulnerable New Yorkers continues to be a top priority for my office and I am pleased to see the administration is taking steps to empower those who have been victims of domestic violence,\u201d said Council Member I. Daneek Miller<\/strong>. \u201cThese initiatives will help to ensure those who must leave their homes still receive a paycheck and have a place to recover, while they work to get their lives back in order. I applaud the administration and my colleague Council Member Ferreras for introducing this legislation.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn order to confront the pervasive problem of domestic violence, we must break the cycle of abuse that leaves victims feeling powerless, isolated, and alone. No victim of domestic violence should ever have to fear missing work, losing their home, or being overlooked by law enforcement as they attend to their immediate safety needs. I thank Mayor de Blasio for taking immediate action to protect and empower victims, and to unite social service agencies and law enforcement towards a common goal to save lives,\u201d said\u00a0Council Member Margaret S. Chin.<\/strong><\/p>\n Council Member Helen Rosenthal<\/strong> said, \u201cAs co-Chair of the Women's Caucus, I applaud the Mayor for taking significant and immediate steps to protect the victims of domestic abuse.\u00a0In supporting legislation through the Paid Safe Leave, providing housing protection by placing lawyers at Family Justice Centers, and having the NYPD step up identification efforts and enforcement of chronic offenders, the Mayor is utilizing the multidimensional approach that is so critical to battling the complex issue of domestic violence.\u201d<\/p>\n “One of the most devastating issues to our communities and our families is domestic violence and it is clear that everything in the City's power must be done to help those who suffer from an abusive home environment,” said\u00a0Council Member Donovan Richards.<\/strong>\u00a0“I'm proud to stand with Mayor de Blasio, Speaker Mark-Viverito and my colleagues in the Council to put forth every effort to support victims who often feel like they have no place to turn.”<\/p>\n Judge Judy Harris Kluger, Executive Director of Sanctuary for Families,<\/strong> said, \u201cSanctuary for Families is proud to stand with the Mayor in support of this critically needed legislation. Survivors of domestic violence should not have to choose between their jobs and getting help. By providing survivors with an important economic protection and confidentiality, the legislation will remove significant barriers and allow survivors to seek help while not jeopardizing their livelihood. Sanctuary for Families urges the City Council and Mayor de Blasio to do what\u2019s right for the thousands of people who suffer at the hands of their abusers, and make sure this measure becomes law.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s this type of expansive thinking that amplifies the effectiveness of our City\u2019s immensely important paid sick days legislation,\u201d said Sonia Ossorio, President of NOW NY.<\/strong> \u201cDomestic violence often leads to losing one\u2019s job, having access to safe leave will go a long way to preventing the domino effect that turns a family upside down.”<\/p>\n \u201cWe strongly endorse this important and necessary expansion of the uses of Paid Sick Leave,\u201d said\u00a0Brooklyn Chamber President and CEO Carlo A. Scissura<\/strong>. \u201cPeople who are victims of domestic violence and physical or mental abuse are among those who need Paid Sick Leave the most, and this legislation will ensure that they will not be left behind.\u201d<\/p>\n Ariel Zwang, CEO of Safe Horizon <\/strong>said, \u201cSafe Horizon applauds Mayor de Blasio for proposing legislation to allow victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking up to five days of paid leave to address safety concerns without needing to disclose details related to their victimization to their employer.\u00a0Known as \u2018Paid Safe Leave\u2019, this new policy means that victims of these crimes will no longer be forced to choose between seeking assistance \u2013 including obtaining legal services, meeting with law enforcement or seeking counseling \u2013 and missing out on needed income. As the nation\u2019s leading victim assistance organization, Safe Horizon commends Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Cecile Noel from the Mayor\u2019s Office to Combat Domestic Violence for crafting this thoughtful proposal and for always putting the safety needs of crime victims first.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis important bill will address some of the most costly consequences of intimate partner violence for survivors \u2013 that of missing work and jeopardizing their jobs to take care of their emotional and physical safety and well-being.\u00a0This is especially important for LGBTQ survivors, particularly transgender survivors, and LGBTQ people of color, who already face disproportionate rates of employment discrimination and poverty,\u201d said\u00a0Beverly Tillery, Executive Director of the New York City Anti-Violence Project.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cUrban Resource Institute fully supports the NYC Paid Safe Leave legislation, as it will extend crucial support to those attempting to escape and recover from domestic violence. Far too often, the public does not consider and fully understand the devastating and wide-ranging effects that domestic violence has on a survivor\u2019s family, career, and finances. This legislation will help encourage victims of domestic violence to seek life-saving services that will allow them to flee abuse and begin to rebuild their lives,\u201d said Nathaniel Fields, President and CEO of Urban Resource Institute.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThe ability to access much needed services is a critical factor in women\u2019s ability to get out of harm\u2019s way and to safety in domestic violence situations,\u201d said Mallika Dutt, Founder and President of Breakthrough<\/strong>. \u201cBy enabling domestic violence survivors to use their sick leave as safe leave is a path-breaking step to safety and security for women and their children. This bill is long overdue.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLeaving an abusive relationship is difficult and time consuming.\u00a0If there are children involved it can get even more complicated.\u00a0Women sometimes have to choose between getting paid for work and legal solutions.\u00a0With the support of employers, having access to safe time will be helpful to maintain employment, which is critical for survival,\u201d said\u00a0Cecile Gaston, Executive Director of Violence Intervention Program.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cVictims of Violence should not be penalized economically for taking time off from work to protect themselves and their children,\u201d said Carol Robles-Roman, President and CEO of Legal Momentum.\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cVictims should not have to choose between physical safety and economic safety.\u00a0Too often, victims do not leave violent relationships because they are financially dependent on their abusers and cannot afford to leave.\u00a0As the architects of the Violence Against Women Act, Legal Momentum supports this bill because it recognizes that economic stability is critical to living a life free of violence.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKudos to Mayor de Blasio for guaranteeing that when New Yorkers face domestic violence, they can act to keep themselves and their children safe without fearing losing a paycheck or their job,\u201d said\u00a0Paul Sonn, General Counsel and Program Director of the National Employment Law Project.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cA Better Balance applauds the Mayor for adding this important protection for domestic violence victims to the earned sick time law.\u00a0As co-authors of the original bill that gave paid sick leave to millions of New Yorkers who did not have it before, we are delighted that New York City will now also guarantee that domestic violence victims can take time off to go to court and get safe without sacrificing the pay they especially need at a time of crisis,\u201d said\u00a0Sherry Leiwant, co-President and co-Founder of A Better Balance.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>“The legislation proposed by Mayor de Blasio to support victims of domestic violence will provide much needed, common sense policies to increase their physical and economic security, and ultimately, to build productive and independent lives,” said Beverly Neufeld, President of PowHer New York.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThe paid safe leave legislation will allow survivors to take important steps to protect themselves while they continue to work.\u00a0No survivor of domestic violence should ever have to choose between being safe and being employed,\u201d said Maya Raghu, Director of Workplace Equality at the\u00a0National Women\u2019s Law Center.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" De Blasio Administration protecting survivors\u2019 rights, safety, paychecks and housing \u00a0Mayor de Blasio and Council Member Ferreras-Copeland introduce legislation to provide Paid Safe Leave for domestic violence victims NEW YORK (October 26, 2016):\u00a0Mayor Bill de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray today announced a package of policies to\u00a0protect domestic violence survivors, their livelihoods and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":28023,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[45,5],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n