On the other hand, New York Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul commented, “This new law will ensure that crime victims have access to essential resources to help them recover. New York is leading the way to protect the most vulnerable and strengthen our society.”
In the past, individuals who did not sustain an injury during crimes were only eligible to obtain certain benefits from the OVS such moving and counselling expenses. They are not eligible to request for financial assistance for crime scene clean-up and housing.
Meanwhile, OVS Director Elizabeth Ronin said the new law will help more crime victims across the state. She noted that the “emotional effects of a crimes can be as just damaging” to a person.
Cuomo implemented a series of legislative changes to help crime victims
Cuomo had been implementing legislative changes and increasing funding to expand eligibility and improve services for crime victims.
Some of these changes include broadening access to civil legal assistance for victims of crime; improving services for vulnerable adults at risk of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation; and increasing the numbers of advocacy centers and funding mobile centers for child abuse victims.
