New York Governor Signs Law Expanding Compensation for Crime Victims

Now the most New Yorkers who have ever been crime victims may apply to receive economic compensation funds, after the Governor, Kathy Hochul, will sign a piece of law passed by the state Legislature, which expands eligibility for compensation, while eliminating the requirement that documentation be provided from authorities in order to be eligible. It also extends the deadline for a victim file a compensation claim.

The signing of the law was received with great optimism and hope among advocacy groups for crime victims, such as organizations Moms Demand Action y Students Demand Actionwho warned that making compensation funds equally accessible to all survivors of armed violence “It is a critical component to reducing the lasting impacts of violence on families and communities.”

“This law expands the avenues for economic justice to those already experiencing the trauma of loss or damage after armed violence. We applaud Governor Hochul for her leadership in the fight to prevent gun violence, her support for victimssurvivors and their families, and for ensuring that social equity is at the forefront of our thinking about mitigating the impacts of gun violence,” said Pamela Hight, a volunteer with the New York chapter of Moms Demand Action, whose son was shot to death on Christmas Eve 2013.

Angela Ferrell-Wideexecutive director of Moms Demand Action, said the lasting trauma of gun violence – financial, emotional and mental – is devastating for victims, survivors and their families as they rebuild their lives.

“This historic bill demonstrates a crucial understanding of both the need to financially compensate the survivors as well as the systemic barriers for survivors to really receive that support,” he said Ferrell-Zabalanoting that expanding access to critical resources allows communities to prioritize healing by easing the financial burden caused by tragedy.

Cora Lynn Mundymember of the National Advisory Board of Students Demand Action and volunteer leader of the Staten Island Student Academy, joined the voices of optimism and highlighted that the new law will contribute to alleviating some of the damage that violence has left in life of vulnerable communities.

“My generation is very familiar with the devastating effects of gun violence. This victory will finally bring healing to more survivors and ensure they have the support they need. We must address gun violence as an intersectional issue,” said the activist.

The Speaker of the New York City Council, Adrienne Adamsassured that eliminating the requirement that crime victims provide documentation from authorities to be eligible to receive victim compensation funds and extending the time period for a victim to file a compensation claim is an act of justice.

“Unaddressed trauma plays a detrimental role in producing negative health outcomes and security for communities, which underscores the need to ensure that crime survivors receive support in their recovery and search for healing,” said the head of the municipal legislative body. “Crime survivors in communities of color that experience the most violence are among those least likely to receive victim services due to bureaucratic eligibility restrictions. By removing barriers to victim compensation, New York can promote equitable access to critical services that help victims recover.”

State Senator Zellnor Myrie, promoter of the piece of legislation, warned that the new law will reduce bureaucracy for victims and survivors of crimes, while helping to ensure that they obtain resources to which they are entitled.

“When an act of violence occurs, the victims and their families need our support, not bureaucratic procedures,” mentioned the political leader, who insisted that the new regulations support victims and survivors of crime to cope better with their lives.

Governor Kathy Hochul commented that “as victims recover, this legislation will support New Yorkers in their time of need and ensure they can receive the benefits they deserve.”

2023-12-13 23:36:17
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