Westchester Reporter

Westchester County Executive George Latimer has signed the Safety Measures for Survivors of Domestic Violence Act, aiming to enhance the protection of domestic and gender-based violence survivors. The signing ceremony took place with members of the Westchester County Board of Legislators in attendance.

Latimer emphasized the importance of the legislation: "Victims of domestic and gender-based violence have been forced to vacate the home that they and their children live in because the home is no longer safe. While we as a County do what we can to make sure that everyone has a safe place to go, this legislation provides for safety measures so that vulnerable survivors have the ability to stay in their homes if they so choose, allowing them to maintain their ties and rebuild their lives in their own communities."

The new law mandates free lock changes and installation of video doorbells at survivors' homes. The Westchester County Office for Women will collaborate with community-based organizations to implement these measures.

Chairman Vedat Gashi, representing District 4, expressed his support: "In Westchester County we are always working to find ways to help our most vulnerable residents. I am proud of the great strides this program will make toward ensuring the protection and safety of victims of domestic violence." He also thanked Legislators David Imamura and Emiljana Ulaj, along with Latimer, for their efforts on this legislation.

Legislator David Imamura from District 12 added: "Domestic violence in all of its forms is completely unacceptable. Today, Westchester takes needed steps towards ensuring the safety of domestic violence victims by providing them with free lock changes and ring cameras." He noted that financial constraints should not prevent individuals from securing their homes.

Legislator Emiljana Ulaj from District 9 highlighted the necessity of feeling secure at home: "Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home, but what happens when your abuser has the key to the front door? This initiative will be invaluable help to domestic violence survivors and their families."

Office for Women Director Robi Schlaff commended the program's practical impact: "This program is an extraordinary component of what we do in Westchester to protect families from violence and care for them when that happens."

Cindy Kanusher, Executive Director at Pace Women’s Justice Center, underscored how crucial these measures are: "The program established by this law...will give survivors the opportunity to remain safely in their homes and rebuild their lives."

Amanda Rieben, Immediate Past-President of Westchester Women’s Bar Association, acknowledged her long-standing advocacy for domestic violence victims: "This legislation will provide victims with necessary resources...important measures which promote and assist them in keeping their families safe."

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