What you should know
- They went into effect in New York three laws expanding financial assistance and protections for victims and survivors of crimes in which they have not sustained bodily harm, Governor Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday. Financial aid is provided, for example, to victims of the illegal dissemination or publication of an intimate image, known as “revenge porn” and of reckless first and second degree endangerment.
- Victims of notorious “revenge porn” and reckless endangerment who file claims on or after December 27, 2022 are now eligible to receive compensation for certain crime-related costs.
- On the other hand, victims and survivors of domestic violence can now use additional documents and information to prove identity theft before debt recovery can occur.
NEW YORK — Effective in New York three laws expanding financial assistance and protections for victims and survivors of crimes in which they have not sustained bodily harm, Governor Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday.
Financial aid is provided, for example, to victims of the illegal dissemination or publication of an intimate image, known as “revenge porn” and of reckless first and second degree endangerment.
In order for an individual to be eligible for and eligible to seek compensation for certain crime-related costs, they must have filed an appeal with the State Office of Victim Services on or after December 27, 2022. In addition, victims and survivors of interpersonal violence can now use additional documents and information to prove identity theft before debt collection can occur.
“Here in New York, we stand with the victims in every way we can and will continue to adapt our laws to keep New Yorkers safe,” Governor Hochul said. “I am proud to have been able to work with my partners in the legislature to implement this legislative package to help victims seek the justice they deserve and make New York a safer state for all.”
The Office of Victim Services provides a critical financial safety net for crime victims and survivors who have no other resources to pay for crime-related expenses. While many of these expenses come from people injured in the crime, state law allows certain physically uninjured victims and survivors of intimate partner violence, hate crimes and other crimes to seek compensation from the agency for certain costs they incurred .
Individuals who are victims of revenge pornography, Section 245.15 of the Criminal Law, can now seek compensation for counseling and moving costs, reimbursement for loss of income, and the repair or replacement of essential agency personal property. Persons who are victims of first and second degree reckless endangerment, sections 120.20 and 120.25 of the Criminal Law can now claim compensation for costs related to counseling, unreimbursed costs of securing a crime scene and the crime scene cleaning and compensation for lost earnings.
In addition, the state’s General Business Law has been amended to provide individuals who are victims of identity theft with other ways to report the crime and allow them to provide additional documentation that must be considered by creditors, who must stop any collection activity. debts until they have completed a review of that documentation.
People now have the ability to report identity theft to law enforcement or by filing with the Identity theft victim reporting process by the Federal Trade Commission. Creditors must now also consider the statements of the victim of coercion and/or family or criminal court records before attempting collection.
Financial assistance managed by OVS it also helps victims, survivors and family members with medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, loss of support and other assistance. New York is the only state in the nation with no limits on medical or counseling costs, meaning people can get help whenever they need it. Even the Office of Victim Services funds and supports 239 victim assistance programs statewide that provide crisis counseling, counseling, emergency shelter, civil legal aid, case management, and advocacy, among other services, throughout the state.
While eligibility for compensation or reimbursement is determined by a person’s income and access to other resources, such as health insurance, victim assistance programs provide services and support free of charge to anyone who needs them. You can visit the website of the Office of Victim Services.
New York State also provides 24/7 assistance to victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. You can call 800-942-6906; text 844-997-2121; or talk to us opdv.ny.gov.
