To the Editor:

Domestic Violence Awareness Month may have come to a close, but it’s important to remember that protecting survivors doesn’t stop in October. For too many New Yorkers, domestic violence is not a statistic—it is a daily reality.

In the State Senate, I’ve worked to strengthen laws so survivors are fully protected and abusers are held accountable. Melanie’s Law, which I co-sponsored, allows courts to issue orders of protection for immediate family or household members of victims, regardless of age, but there is more work to do.

Senate Bill S.6835 increases penalties for violations of court-ordered supervision, including absconding while under electronic monitoring. Senate Bill S.6836 ensures repeat violations of aggravated criminal contempt carry real consequences. Protective orders are only as strong as the system enforcing them.

The Lethality Assessment Program, used in only a few counties, helps first responders identify victims in immediate danger and connect them with lifesaving services. Expanding it statewide could save countless lives.

As a former police officer, I know public safety is more than enforcement—it’s the security every person deserves at home. Strengthening protections for survivors strengthens our communities.

Even though Domestic Violence Awareness Month has ended, our work must continue. Every bill I support represents a person who deserves safety, dignity, and peace—and that fight doesn’t stop with the calendar.

Rob Rolison
New York State Senator,
District 39