The brochure describes key legal protections and services available to victims of domestic violence, particularly in the areas of housing and employment, under New York law and the 1994 federal Violence Against Women Act.
The brochure also includes information about new protections stemming from New York State’s recently-enacted Women’s Equality Agenda. This new legislation protects victims of domestic violence from discrimination when they attempt to rent or lease housing, and provides them with an affirmative defense in eviction proceedings and a private right of action. It also creates a pilot program to allow domestic violence victims to seek temporary orders of protection electronically rather than having to appear in person.
October was first proclaimed National Domestic Violence Awareness month in 1989 by President George H.W. Bush.
New York's updated pamphlet is available here.
