New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that the legislation expanding support for victims of domestic violence and hate crimes became effective on Monday.
Under the new law, individuals who were not physically injured during a domestic violence or certain hate crimes will now be able to apply for reimbursement of shelter cost and crime scene clean-up expenses. They can submit their applications for reimbursement to the New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS).
New York is committed to helping crime victims recover
In a statement, Cuomo said New York is “one of the first states to provide compensation to crime victims. The new law reaffirms his administration’s commitment to helping these individuals and their family members go through the healing process, which is their top priority.
“By providing greater protections for innocent victims of crime, we are ensuring individuals who have endured the pain and suffering of these horrific events receive the support they need to recover,” said the governor.
