Albany, NY- Senator Rhoads joined members of the New York State Senate Republican Crime Victims and Corrections Committee today for a press conference during National Crime Victims Rights Week to highlight the need for New York State to prioritize victims over criminals. The Senators were joined by Theresa Bliss, Jennifer Driver and Tabitha Goode-Miller.  

“Public safety must always be the first priority of government. That means not only preventing crime, but ensuring that those who have already endured it are supported, protected, and never left to live in fear in the aftermath. Throughout my 26-year career in law enforcement, I’ve seen firsthand the lasting impact crime has on individuals, families, and entire communities. During Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we reaffirm a simple but critical commitment: we stand with victims, we stand with survivors, and we will continue working to ensure they have the resources, protections, and justice they deserve,” stated Senator Rob Rolison, ranking member of Crime Victims, Crime and Correction. 

“It is abundantly clear that for far too long, crime victims and those impacted by crime, have been ignored and forgotten, especially when it comes to policies and legislation adopted in this state. We held these Roundtables to make sure that we heard from all of those who are involved in the criminal justice process. Most importantly, the victims themselves, to ensure that they are genuinely heard and their concerns are prioritized,” stated Senator Dean Murray,  member of Crime Victims and Corrections Committee.

Throughout last fall and earlier this year, members of the Senate Crime Victims and Correction Committee Senator Rob Rolison and Senator Dean Murray, along with Senator Steve Rhoads and Patrick Gallivan held a series of Crime Victims Roundtables throughout the state in an effort to bring together lawmakers, advocates, service providers, and law enforcement for a solutions-driven discussion.

As a result of these discussions, the Senators have put together a package of 5 new pieces of legislation: 

> S.8890 (Senator Murray)  “Sarah’s Law” which addresses the abatement ab initio doctrine.

> S.9970 (Senator Murray) Requiring DCJS to create an annual report regarding Violent Crime Fatalities.

> S.8531A (Senator Rolison) Addresses changes to “Raise the Age.”

> (S.7296) (Senator Rhoads) Calls for the creation of a statewide Crime Victims Advocate.

> (Senator Gallivan) Clarifying the legal definition of Strangulation (bill to be introduced).

In addition, the forums provided an important opportunity to look at some previously introduced legislation that should be adopted, examine gaps within the current system, elevate the voices of those directly impacted by crime, and advance meaningful policy reform.

Key findings from these roundtable discussions included:

Failure to Prioritize Victims

Victims consistently reported that current policies leave them feeling “invisible and forgotten,” with insufficient consideration given to their rights and needs. There is a need to fully review and evaluate the current Sex Offender Registry Act to determine if it should be strengthened to further protect victims. 

Breakdown in Communication

Families often lack timely and accurate information following crimes, including notification failures between hospitals, law enforcement, and next of kin. 

Inadequate Victim Support Infrastructure

There is no uniform statewide system ensuring access to counseling, legal guidance, or case navigation services. 

Courtroom and Sentencing Disparities

Victims expressed frustration with a process that limits their participation and fails to reflect the severity of harm suffered.

Unintended Consequences of Criminal Justice Reforms

Stakeholders identified reforms such as bail changes, discovery laws, and Raise the Age as having diminished accountability and weakened protections for victims.

The Senators were joined at the press conference by the family members and victims Theresa Bliss, Jennifer Driver and Tabitha Goode-Miller, who are calling for support of the “Crime Victims Agenda Report” to help provide justice for their murdered loved ones.

“The message we repeatedly heard from crime victims, law enforcement representatives, service providers, and others was that those directly impacted by crime often feel forgotten and do not always receive the services they deserve. Recent changes in our criminal justice laws favor offenders over law-abiding citizens and victims. We must pass legislation to better support crime victims and their families, ensuring their rights are protected and they receive necessary counseling, legal guidance and other services,” stated Senator Patrick Gallivan.

“Our Crime Victims Roundtables made clear that too many victims feel invisible, unheard, and left without the support they deserve. Yet under one-party rule in Albany, policies like bail reform, discovery reform, and the Clean State Act have too often put criminals first instead of victims and public safety. During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we must recommit ourselves to ensuring we support victims of crime and reverse that trend by putting victims first, strengthening their rights, and ensuring real accountability in our justice system,” stated Senator Steve Rhoads. 

In the coming weeks, the Senators are expected to release the “Crime Victims Agenda Report.”