Petito is working with New York Sen. Rob Rolison on a law that would require police ask a victim eleven questions when responding to calls for help, such as has an intimate partner tried to strangle them or threaten them with a weapon.

At least 39 states around the country already have passed a similar law, and several municipalities and counties in New York already voluntarily assess for lethality, including Westchester and Dutchess counties.

“Certain things happen before you get there that you need to really understand so that survivor has the ability to make really good, sound decisions on their safety and their family’s safety,” says Rolison. “Assessing danger for someone who is intimately involved with a person who could be a repeat offender, who could cause more serious harm and even death, is important.”