In a year when New York state faces a $15 billion budget deficit and a greater demand for basic services, advocates for survivors of domestic violence say they are pleased that Gov. Andrew Cuomo is also prioritizing their concerns.
Among other proposals, Cuomo said he will ask the state Legislature to make it more difficult for people who are charged with a serious domestic violence-related misdemeanor to get a gun license.
There is a provision in the current state law to disqualify some abusers from obtaining a New York gun license, but Cuomo said the process is cumbersome.
The governor wants to close the loophole by creating a domestic violence misdemeanor label for certain abuse-related crimes.
Cuomo proposes overhaul to improve responses to domestic violence
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Melissa DeRosa, secretary to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and chairwoman of the state Council on Women and Girls, said the pandemic has brought into sharp focus the devastation wrought by domestic violence and the challenges faced by the abused. Provided by the Office of the Governor
ALBANY Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo s State of the State address on Monday will include proposals to combat domestic violence and gender-based violence, including allowing courts to make abusers pay for housing damages and any moving expenses associated with domestic violence.
The package also would require the state Office of Court Administration to report monthly domestic violence statistics to the state Division of Criminal Justice Services.