MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION PROMOTING ACCESS TO EMERGENCY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES AND SHELTER

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws

"The first bill before me today is Introductory Number 120-A, sponsored by Council Members DeBlasio, Baez, Boyland, Brewer, Clarke, Diaz, Gerson, Monserrate, Reyna, Liu, Gennaro, Jackson, Koppell, Lopez, Martinez, Quinn, Rivera, Vann, and Sanders.

"The bill codifies the Human Resources Administration's public policy of ensuring that victims of domestic violence obtain the shelter and services they need in an emergency even if they do not have documentary evidence of the incidence of domestic violence, such as a police report or an order of protection.

"Intro 120-A adds a new section to the Administrative Code which specifically prescribes that domestic violence victims who apply for emergency shelter or related services cannot be denied such shelter or services solely based on the lack of documentary evidence of the incidence of domestic violence. Furthermore, the bill defines family members as those who are not only related by blood, but also as those who exist in non-traditional relationships, whether they share a child and are unmarried or have lived together.

"Domestic violence is an issue that my Administration takes very seriously. The Mayor's Office to Combat Domestic Violence recently launched an ad campaign to heighten the public's awareness of this widespread problem and to encourage victims to seek the help they need. Initiatives undertaken this year, including the digitizing of 911 emergency calls and the creation of Domestic Violence Response Teams, continue to provide enhanced safety for domestic violence victims.

"I want to especially thank Human Resources Administration Commissioner Eggleston and the Office to Combat Domestic Violence Commissioner Jimenez for their compassion and leadership on this issue."