<div dir='auto'><div class="gmail_quote" dir="auto"><br type="attribution"><blockquote class="quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex">

<div></div><div style="display:none;display:none !important;line-height:1px;max-height:0px;max-width:0px;height:0;width:0;font-size:0px">Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Passes Legislation to Support Victims of Domestic Violence</div><div><div><div align="center"><div align="center" style="max-width:602px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto"><table width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" style="margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto"><tbody><tr><td><img alt="" width="1" height="5" hspace="0" vspace="0" border="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif"></td><td align="center" valign="top" width="600"><table width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"><tbody><tr><td align="center" valign="top"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://img.constantcontact.com/ui/images1/shr_drw_left.png"></td><td><a href="http://s.rs6.net/t?e=ZHXvoqqBh7o&c=1&r=1"><img src="http://img.constantcontact.com/ui/images1/shr_drw_fb.png" style="border:0"></a></td><td><a href="http://s.rs6.net/t?e=ZHXvoqqBh7o&c=3&r=1"><img src="http://img.constantcontact.com/ui/images1/shr_drw_twit.png" style="border:0"></a></td><td><a href="http://s.rs6.net/t?e=ZHXvoqqBh7o&c=4&r=1"><img src="http://img.constantcontact.com/ui/images1/shr_drw_linked.png" style="border:0"></a></td><td><img src="http://img.constantcontact.com/ui/images1/shr_drw_divider.png" style="border:0"></td><td><a href="http://s.rs6.net/t?e=ZHXvoqqBh7o&c=5&r=1"><img src="http://img.constantcontact.com/ui/images1/shr_drw_more.png" style="border:0"></a></td><td><img src="http://img.constantcontact.com/ui/images1/shr_drw_right.png" style="border:0"></td><td style="padding-left:5px"><a href="http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Assemblymember-Bichotte-Passes-Legislation-to-Protect-and--Support-Victims-of-Domestic-Violence.html?soid=1103413547828&aid=ZHXvoqqBh7o#fblike"><img src="http://img.constantcontact.com/ui/images1/shr_btn_like_sm.png" style="border:0"></a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td><td><img alt="" width="1" height="5" hspace="0" vspace="0" border="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif"></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div><img src="http://r20.rs6.net/on.jsp?a=1103413547828&r=3&c=681214d0-50f2-11e3-80e1-d4ae52a459cd&d=1127911594743&ch=6910e730-50f2-11e3-81ab-d4ae52a459cd&ca=a51054a2-7bff-4cde-8f17-bb87b85e7cd4&o=https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/ui/images1/s.gif" height="1" width="1">
<div align="center">
<table style="background-color:#ffffff;margin:0" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td rowspan="1" colspan="1" align="center">
    <table style="width:600px" border="0" width="600" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"><tbody><tr><td width="100%" rowspan="1" colspan="1">
        
        </td></tr><tr><td style="background-color:#003366;padding:2px" bgcolor="#003366" rowspan="1" colspan="1">
      <table style="background-color:#ffffff" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"><tbody><tr><td width="100%" rowspan="1" colspan="1">
          <table style="display:table" border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 );text-align:center" rowspan="1" colspan="1" align="center">
<div><img height="63" vspace="5" border="0" hspace="5" width="621" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/4339298e001/1cc9a446-55e9-49cf-ae79-338db68d6507.png"></div>
</td></tr></tbody></table>
          </td></tr><tr><td width="100%" rowspan="1" colspan="1">
          
          
          
          <table style="color:#000000;display:table;margin-bottom:10px" border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="margin-left:30px;color:#003366;font-family:'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif" rowspan="1" colspan="1" align="left">
<div><b style="font-size:10pt">
</b><div style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">
<div align="center"><b><img vspace="5" border="0" width="621" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/4339298e001/7dac1820-bab9-40fb-a60f-0689fd691c8c.jpg"></b></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="font-size:12pt">
<div style="display:inline !important;font-size:12pt">
<div style="display:inline !important;font-size:12pt">
<div style="text-align:center" align="center"><b><strong> </strong><br></b></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><b>  </b></div>
<div style="color:#7f34a4;text-align:center" align="center">
<div><b>
</b><div><b><strong><span style="font-size:26pt">Assemblymember</span> </strong> </b></div>
<div><b><span style="font-size:28pt"><strong>Rodneyse Bichotte</strong></span> </b></div>
</div>
<div><b><span style="font-size:20pt"><strong> passes legislation to protect and support victims of domestic violence</strong></span></b></div>
</div>
<div style="color:#994ebe"><b> </b></div>
<div style="color:#994ebe"><b><strong>Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte (D-Brooklyn)</strong> announced that he/she helped pass legislation to address domestic violence and provide increased assistance and protection for victims as they seek justice and rebuild their lives.<strong> <br><br></strong>"As a member of Governor Cuomo's Domestic Violence Advisory Council this  issue is not only professional, it is personal. I myself am a  survivor,"<strong> said Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte, member of the Governor's Domestic Violence Advisory Board.  </strong> "I am so glad to see this issue is being looked at in from many  different angles. We can all play a role in mitigating domestic violence  by speaking out, by  teaching our children what healthy relationships look and by holding  abusers accountable."<strong><br></strong></b></div>
<div style="color:#994ebe"><b> </b></div>
<div style="color:#994ebe"><b> While domestic violence is severely underreported, the statistics are still startling. In the United States, over 10 million women and men are victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner each year.<a style="color:rgb( 153 , 78 , 190 )" shape="rect">[1]</a> Survivors and their loved ones often deal with trauma years after the abuse has stopped. The Assembly legislative package seeks to meet the urgent needs of those affected and ensure everyone who seeks help can get it.<br><br> "Domestic violence is a tragic reality that affects families all across New York State and often goes unreported," said <strong>Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte</strong>.  "We must do more to provide the support that these victims need to  regain their lives, encourage victims to come forward and ensure justice  is better served in domestic violence cases."<br><br></b></div>
<div style="color:#722797"><b><strong>Preventing work discrimination</strong></b></div>
<div style="color:#994ebe"><b> </b></div>
<div style="color:#994ebe"><b> The Assembly legislation includes a measure to prevent employers from discriminating against victims of domestic violence as well as allow these employees reasonable accommodations in the workplace as they address issues, such as counseling or court appearances, related to their abuse (<a style="color:rgb( 153 , 78 , 190 );font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001URzJn7REpAba4EU8CxmKyZDToND6IEa2GkxfHpZECQVRVJqEL6zHUXKuRaaVsFYDxXXDXNn9JmTjqukfecN54WB5PTMhiijFy3YOtKug1pNmYq1VX4wDcb0RwCm6AjDJIMiJM2o1X5tMPsVtIasnfrjuWXxhkT08y_hABf5Y9v_6lu1Q53cLQsaRpawbxK0zwwP5FkJ7s9gBEznut9PdO1vE2nl-qePbIHl_aO-bdTrjQlUXZ_d1XgBK6BN2sZzKnUjG5GRv3YpmvPaIWp534MbNOUhp-1m9yeJ78YmgbPHu1AJvJf6F1Fw7qkHzJ6DjhDdfZ3bjEM80IZOZEzXUY-vPYeLKIaanrHHK4YvJjgYbQSuF27YtQL57HJ2sbhI4O_0fSoaygbGB_zvDb1mMD--M4U-MW9WjDrgGaBAhmJSlSprQILiMSP_tNyRReuYOXTy5M11KLIQ=&c=iNczzUHi9X20xMlId-3AJQmOAG8WjQRmB_cXu_WL5L1bz1G3XL1DiQ==&ch=TgFffKALRM3FeuDBeGP8_3F3YNx8eXFfBDOtrFnkI6J_vHR_L4mUjg==" shape="rect">A.1481-A</a>).</b></div>
<div style="color:#994ebe"><b> </b></div>
<div style="color:#994ebe">
<div><b> "Victims of domestic violence have already suffered far too much and deserve every opportunity to move forward with their lives," said<strong> Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte.</strong> "Their past trauma doesn't define them, and they absolutely should not be discriminated against by their employer or prevented from achieving gainful employment as they embark on their new journey."</b></div>
</div>
<div style="color:#994ebe"><b> </b></div>
<div style="color:#722797"><b><strong>Increasing protections for victims</strong></b></div>
<div style="color:#994ebe"><b> </b></div>
<b> 
</b><div>
<div>
<div style="color:#994ebe"><b>"Those who experience domestic violence are not just victims - they are survivors," said</b></div>
<div><b><span style="color:#994ebe"><strong> Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte.</strong></span><span style="color:#994ebe"> "It's up to us to make sure the brave women, men and children who contend with</span><span style="color:#994ebe"> domestic violence are empowered, t</span><span style="color:#994ebe">reated with respect and have the support they need to break free."</span></b></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="color:#994ebe"><b> </b></div>
<div>
<div><b><span style="color:#994ebe">The legislative package includes a bill that enacts the Domestic Violence Escalation Prevention Act, which prevents certain perpetrators of domestic violence from owning a firearm (</span><a style="color:rgb( 153 , 78 , 190 );font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001URzJn7REpAba4EU8CxmKyZDToND6IEa2GkxfHpZECQVRVJqEL6zHUXKuRaaVsFYDvqrhT2OtFfNWR1ASJWGF-aZFw5i10mowqx5IPyi-NuVJpxhymtdFYnMHPXEDT1R8o4zrqC6m324DaksdNbA54KFQxfFewclLV8ILch3-koNDgygkbvxG9TMF59ZEPP0We4BzBJsnGhITuDTMGvaxQuOVcwFaZvSEy3j8K0Ph2JhdRSHRNzN-Vfdqi11KmjeIcIRe7ukhCyEVSokdevRPjevMYFMBRGfTp3pVWnec6ho9R_iWebnLn5cpgQzMYZJrc2JQyQC6QK7406OV8naX8sXjDRuuVmJR_1tVAA0IkDDz1GhW1f79aB9rURlfNQHWKYVNGkllzhV1d568PV-gi-FELnKKC5CAjC8vp01sE6Wudg8F1zBD2_woCHimzlIIAb8xD624TXA=&c=iNczzUHi9X20xMlId-3AJQmOAG8WjQRmB_cXu_WL5L1bz1G3XL1DiQ==&ch=TgFffKALRM3FeuDBeGP8_3F3YNx8eXFfBDOtrFnkI6J_vHR_L4mUjg==" shape="rect">A.5025</a><span style="color:#994ebe">). To further keep guns out of the hands of these criminals, an additional measure requires convicted abusers to surrender their firearms, closing a potentially deadly loophole in state penal law (</span><a style="color:rgb( 153 , 78 , 190 );font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001URzJn7REpAba4EU8CxmKyZDToND6IEa2GkxfHpZECQVRVJqEL6zHUXKuRaaVsFYDgB_tP_3l90Eo0LUt2YDzSNVDTt5tkSKRNyahnvCQq8E_cDAuy_nyNE4NKvh8HLkO9rLEiaeW8o59w62yNrU0UB1Zfwg2JmNxJWauNuwM3P6SbfHq-Y_TcjnnbqpKMeoXKEOC3fAyawNbGV0gXn8tQB7PSkKRuIDBX6ZLoTv34Pc2fKgL4f3SVioCl5KL25-W796zNk496H3vS2LuHeQNoMe-HVjELlWL0M1W6gOEaC6nhCzf-UdGiWb-xlsKCQkskBOwhkXfw-sSWn73Dke9K5_R5Op5WOb4msoHS9GdG1fDDrBeeP2X9BQyouLGVuuTgPfvHx4pLQ-M-dZ8IkHjJt4HNv19KeDwaDFLqktSycuux-7KooJ_Uvgrz6M8MwDi5oJTKEucQEw=&c=iNczzUHi9X20xMlId-3AJQmOAG8WjQRmB_cXu_WL5L1bz1G3XL1DiQ==&ch=TgFffKALRM3FeuDBeGP8_3F3YNx8eXFfBDOtrFnkI6J_vHR_L4mUjg==" shape="rect">A.980</a><span style="color:#994ebe">). While individuals convicted of domestic violence felonies are prohibited from owning guns, current law doesn't apply to those convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence.</span><br><br></b></div>
<table width="300" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" align="center"><tbody><tr><td style="padding:0px" width="100%" rowspan="1" colspan="1">
<div align="center"><b><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001URzJn7REpAba4EU8CxmKyZDToND6IEa2GkxfHpZECQVRVJqEL6zHUXKuRaaVsFYDudPCna7nXZYVk-HNRjSRHFtAAz-6hSnsIK4mRp56GqywCYVEtWpcKJLMh8EPA9yZIiaqNWs570R67Wpo060_hGFQctXxKZrfOgww1SMh_mS7PxLDCOfBc9LKq8g6JbDwq6rZBgpzNlkesz0l4Q4BU7saQ-0fnF_09SkMSHCFuM4JYHw9png0suBuZnWPrOw1cQQ-aaTBQJSUi0BzUQwbjb_0ndrZpKHzCwDePMR5K4_Y8Y3qmqBGlZ1XyKi75uJz&c=iNczzUHi9X20xMlId-3AJQmOAG8WjQRmB_cXu_WL5L1bz1G3XL1DiQ==&ch=TgFffKALRM3FeuDBeGP8_3F3YNx8eXFfBDOtrFnkI6J_vHR_L4mUjg==" shape="rect"><img height="225.00" vspace="0" border="0" hspace="0" width="300" src="https://thumbnail.constantcontact.com/remoting/v1/vthumb/YOUTUBE/5dffe892e5d449baab3471b9a20061f3"></a></b></div>
</td></tr></tbody></table>
<b><br></b></div>
<div><b> </b></div>
<div style="color:#994ebe"><b> To help victims distance themselves from their abusers, the legislative package also:</b></div>
<div style="color:#994ebe"><b>            </b></div>
<ul><li style="color:#994ebe"><b>allows victims of domestic violence to break a telephone, cable or broadband contract, as well as a shared or family plan wireless contract, without incurring cancellation fees (<a style="color:rgb( 153 , 78 , 190 );font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001URzJn7REpAba4EU8CxmKyZDToND6IEa2GkxfHpZECQVRVJqEL6zHUXKuRaaVsFYDVpoi4htBQ9zZlWdCMr1bU928GSIaeqN8hnUnmPZw0OC0_TZtSYemFQkjp9nUEgcVEgGLMSh-L1EoO2YHd818_DnS2Y3tO-2juNePTWPFimAF47c8OXH275M1iCVL4QogPl5Z-CaNQjDJ2r1XF5ZOVS78p8S1aECTfq19z4ANQ7_Qcu7L8PG6fSYLzZWP8FTLffOc54V3_UmNG2iH0IPr359nw5tIYX6ZKrQjyPqgzqmfE4DM6lVm3zKFETABJtUS1XkJUc0r9y7YKZutUqR2v_b4d47qATONHycYuUveasHbTJAuOCMJ7dRct_Dy3iwKHdXv6qm6gyBgmjxtapa_5daVSqamd7hMfmnA1vJlezO0aRVV0-x834309-zu1Oj-17V82nltstU=&c=iNczzUHi9X20xMlId-3AJQmOAG8WjQRmB_cXu_WL5L1bz1G3XL1DiQ==&ch=TgFffKALRM3FeuDBeGP8_3F3YNx8eXFfBDOtrFnkI6J_vHR_L4mUjg==" shape="rect">A.1056</a>, <a style="color:rgb( 153 , 78 , 190 );font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001URzJn7REpAba4EU8CxmKyZDToND6IEa2GkxfHpZECQVRVJqEL6zHUXKuRaaVsFYDzhsVE0EUx83DREUh2N_6M6cjm4JVrZyC1RFyj51ochaZGvlJkBrYCKlwO-RS4l0k5A-wa_WBGgwPvKmId11m9EolUd8euoz0BXeE_fvnKheQ05OBfvWvfT7QppfR9LW9rnNURMldy8LxXRACRP6IkUniC_Q9UBSxQkJCdmmZlvxSfTkyTfUARaOWcBFGNehnh-1Ds5zY0hZeZ89lojOeUZBvZIhmKS1KVpoLS7YousJcGjFOjmQLoZGiLvMd4HI8Mm_fBBr-H6RIf88Preqeu6RPw5Q8Qa9iNB3LHK_Zlo8hzx64n5om9JLUxMTAYVeV_cjMMKY046JwyME51Q_RwN81_7K-L5y4IrzgiwsXF-RfJ5JX_7ioy5iSNrbeaT3xaxPs_Ws7Pes=&c=iNczzUHi9X20xMlId-3AJQmOAG8WjQRmB_cXu_WL5L1bz1G3XL1DiQ==&ch=TgFffKALRM3FeuDBeGP8_3F3YNx8eXFfBDOtrFnkI6J_vHR_L4mUjg==" shape="rect">A.946</a>);</b></li><li style="color:#994ebe"><b>codifies requirements for health insurers to provide victims of domestic violence the ability to have claim information and benefits sent to an alternative mailing address <a style="color:rgb( 153 , 78 , 190 );font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001URzJn7REpAba4EU8CxmKyZDToND6IEa2GkxfHpZECQVRVJqEL6zHUXKuRaaVsFYD_gS-t_MWxbvTeORg7kipF3klZ31eDBi3YPCVaCicA-S2hC68EWXGoEffse5N5P6mE4EJMNCF_Yoi5WrbhMFMyVCrrqyYj-4o1GLmfgLv9tLTZZ4PsajE9ff6qDqzfbJuSexhJlQQWAWymRSXlnptNyvcZcRhAEoaKfmnB6watzU2XY0ydObC-q-Hdvy-35XKZvCTagibDPu3QQ5V4rQ17_kqEhzn31_7FAKelzLZmQce39DOTajFOdZJD64aRjIvgBnEduvXy9PI_P7vZMZBuOxUZBUelUNTYownRs8YRDqp1ydD1_jdCaIe--tK0QX-EW6ZBRoL8Au8KMIBPw82pTzqky6SfTNdBLcyOgp1YKdTY61FWvC7SU44105KndbqhCc6Pnye-Ao=&c=iNczzUHi9X20xMlId-3AJQmOAG8WjQRmB_cXu_WL5L1bz1G3XL1DiQ==&ch=TgFffKALRM3FeuDBeGP8_3F3YNx8eXFfBDOtrFnkI6J_vHR_L4mUjg==" shape="rect">(A.4060</a>); and</b></li><li style="color:#994ebe"><b>requires hospitals to establish procedures regarding domestic violence and ongoing training programs for staff, and to designate a hospital staff member to coordinate services for victims (<a style="color:rgb( 153 , 78 , 190 );font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001URzJn7REpAba4EU8CxmKyZDToND6IEa2GkxfHpZECQVRVJqEL6zHUXKuRaaVsFYDgpP5Gq_Lds_ZymHUWKgcOMqfB0PX-RFcV_px7RivToxmY5vn1qYYzjzLVvEitE8hQIBvUt-thPVxfgfvGIjm80wddSSDlH5yAAgcTFwXErIsYsME8B3TiRXrPTyzVRSUBeidtR5S2qHPYPRkZ_HMdwR7oKu_KbDYHDcyE7Lic_QRqf4HLMgJgPqONZahw2pWICbn4cNVhX44IHPHQWwY5yEsoxl3NxZgchM5QKOJ4oepARcEGsKvFNfpW59FWiHs-poceYubfsG42SR9nhuWrTD9SB9juq9kutS_CWRTz3LSKv8v5s4-wsvak5TTjdQ75wltXLdH0fgmVKTVBquZwSjpQvYkf_NcfX1QUHezk_xpUs4jcax8uIJrlFxW02sGqF0R2qivAks=&c=iNczzUHi9X20xMlId-3AJQmOAG8WjQRmB_cXu_WL5L1bz1G3XL1DiQ==&ch=TgFffKALRM3FeuDBeGP8_3F3YNx8eXFfBDOtrFnkI6J_vHR_L4mUjg==" shape="rect">A.4014</a>).</b></li></ul>
<div style="color:#994ebe"><b> </b></div>
<div style="color:#7f34a4"><b><strong>Allowing more victims to seek justice</strong></b></div>
<div style="color:#994ebe"><b> </b></div>
<div><b><br></b><div><b> <span style="color:#994ebe">"Getting justice can be a major step in overcoming the trauma of domestic violence and putting the pieces of a survivor's life back together," said <strong>Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte</strong>.  "These measures will make perpetrators pay for their crimes so victims  </span><span style="color:#994ebe">
</span></b><div><b>can move forward."</b></div>
</div></div>
<div style="color:#994ebe"><b> </b></div>
<div style="color:#994ebe"><b>The legislation includes a measure allowing judges expanded discretion in sentencing defendants who are victims of domestic violence where the abuse was a significant factor in the commission of an offense ( <a style="color:rgb( 153 , 78 , 190 );font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001URzJn7REpAba4EU8CxmKyZDToND6IEa2GkxfHpZECQVRVJqEL6zHUXKuRaaVsFYDlZh0SnVjzsJmv96R0PyLmprtKUr5RXJVA-aZsg-AAPfRNMku1Bo7hBlC1ykZ8DIENFoEZbZ5Z2NndOi_m6fq_Soh6AWBRbJ5PNd9c2igpCWQ_KrNHrY0_OYsWMTSVHNvJTv9KSfTONhpv6wDce0Ftfw6k7BNfTCE6cJTOeFi1fiRRsb7V7nNHtD8ozm8r-lu5NqbjLLUaJGNgAcoBGpRzfsXDEeb9imkrisgKiuibkW7DFFvczi_Byp7zUUBYLij04e2w5FAnVtf_5JvadW2dqhn43qBFvh1NaixBD1gOvBDcUkA3NSV1VcGbtqAJPZnOO0b35CqtxCp64hcw1vwEswGfszkj_2JDCVDux05bqIIwSMDyKGOHAbw56LlEHq3zgPQJk4qqWk=&c=iNczzUHi9X20xMlId-3AJQmOAG8WjQRmB_cXu_WL5L1bz1G3XL1DiQ==&ch=TgFffKALRM3FeuDBeGP8_3F3YNx8eXFfBDOtrFnkI6J_vHR_L4mUjg==" shape="rect">A.3110</a>). These victims would be able to seek lesser sentences, alternative-to-incarceration (ATI) programs and apply for resentencing if they are already serving their sentence. A three-part criterion will be used to determine eligibility based on whether the domestic violence was occurring at the time of the offense, if it was a contributing factor or if a sentence under existing law would be excessive.</b></div>
<div style="color:#994ebe"><b> </b></div>
<div style="color:#7f34a4"><b><strong>            The Assembly's legislation would also:</strong></b></div>
<div style="color:#994ebe"><b> </b></div>
<ul><li style="color:#994ebe"><b>ensure victims of domestic violence understand their legal rights and access to services during criminal and family court proceedings by simplifying the language in court documents (<a style="color:rgb( 153 , 78 , 190 );font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001URzJn7REpAba4EU8CxmKyZDToND6IEa2GkxfHpZECQVRVJqEL6zHUXKuRaaVsFYDfFsoQcJeWUyBjw-1t3WQJI_m861Tl47vVwiahITlCV-naJU15rv7J86qfPvG8IBnmh1rs5BZvEsB30pCAl2Lh9pOJ1-qazi5npgZA56njZAbL4MM4iretfX_U3m2vcTyHRuDYOtIa9K8BR5S3cP7OlzRCciWCbycC6slhPk0PRzabxDoAnlC49y60FEM0bHwdgTRNc8nMSMjza6S81BpGkX-571kRcVOvk3RlNPoJ6cqiqha7abzaWr-1LNkiya1dquyzfIoP2H2HK-upMjz2V1MWnA0NEcp4g6ZF87NNU9PAu-1Ik0klmTp5_E79tX15DWkzJUc3TYRcDCUBaBi5LLkHckAoOHWhg5Wypj6eglxnZPUO-uExUS5_FAl4CP9&c=iNczzUHi9X20xMlId-3AJQmOAG8WjQRmB_cXu_WL5L1bz1G3XL1DiQ==&ch=TgFffKALRM3FeuDBeGP8_3F3YNx8eXFfBDOtrFnkI6J_vHR_L4mUjg==" shape="rect">A.5921</a>);</b></li><li style="color:#994ebe"><b>allow victims of domestic violence to receive damages for economic and non-economic losses from all defendants found liable in civil court (<a style="color:rgb( 153 , 78 , 190 );font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001URzJn7REpAba4EU8CxmKyZDToND6IEa2GkxfHpZECQVRVJqEL6zHUXKuRaaVsFYDK7e4zPCKrwZqnpvJr9CN8IazeDrcWHDVoksioXcNuTzHQHSAT5vzkSoYabaY33AC8ZqGJG_cbvJbXHItagFzWEzVp7YSvFiQDdF1Dh8Lvf2svEc6dqnWrcBtKiy1aOvRgWBMS2zMQmBw2hzRiSnuvcaKmWvSh1MmQa4BEAIEvN0PiUAnEQqaT3NiasWzEkjwYBDL0BRQF6sQY3ty5MJUZr5D7dKamEVQ7SkECDUnKutH7HoSsa9i4GmtMSmLvAN7S3oP6s8SsKvOyPaXwMjf0kueeKIkYZXsTngcIrZhi8XruGkHjZScLsPItj2HvKzMKphN6gpQKIuA_cW4_7hPOGwpvT1QoZXnJ1VEAsQ2V3yfQ-j04zv9CkHAytqRbIbHURd1l5Eh7kc=&c=iNczzUHi9X20xMlId-3AJQmOAG8WjQRmB_cXu_WL5L1bz1G3XL1DiQ==&ch=TgFffKALRM3FeuDBeGP8_3F3YNx8eXFfBDOtrFnkI6J_vHR_L4mUjg==" shape="rect">A.1390</a>); and</b></li><li style="color:#994ebe"><b>increase the statute of limitations in actions for injuries occurring as a result of domestic violence in civil court proceedings from one to two years (<a style="color:rgb( 153 , 78 , 190 );font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001URzJn7REpAba4EU8CxmKyZDToND6IEa2GkxfHpZECQVRVJqEL6zHUXKuRaaVsFYDpdy9OIKTYm5ZyCSu-mP1_Q_laZAUlLiM8uATmX_USr4dDGIXrwGaGO3rgbzR03RcryzdpWYAQk_QtUiviZE0XBR-XHOkI0MoW0y9OgJq9puevU3TKewJrUNof5jiqYanuu_os3bXARpUl8_ZH025_JoyjniLmlyOqikr1yljJAZLbagt3FWQQfXcQR5qbh51u_gWG8cJFFmFmKofEEi-93g9IBXh9jo5Cwxi2qIiU9B31TPc0nPjg5_qTKiWX2QHemjmwKLdOx4tHVasISPN2R-oaEERK0RVSwbHkREhzrMocf9uHMYO2oBH5YJqezqkyYl4K5P6NN8_5omYf6PTyfWqbXJ8Lm05_hGfJvCxEeLpc_QNkPuptH-7R0Ts_LEVJz9KlgUm4GI=&c=iNczzUHi9X20xMlId-3AJQmOAG8WjQRmB_cXu_WL5L1bz1G3XL1DiQ==&ch=TgFffKALRM3FeuDBeGP8_3F3YNx8eXFfBDOtrFnkI6J_vHR_L4mUjg==" shape="rect">A.1516</a>).</b></li></ul>
<div style="color:#994ebe"><b> </b></div>
<div style="color:#994ebe">
<div><b>Love should always be marked by respect, safety and understanding, and victims of domestic violence and sexual assault should know that they are never alone, noted</b></div>
<div><b><strong>Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte</strong>. Help and support are always available. New York's toll-free hotline is open 24 hours a day at <strong>1-800-942-6906</strong>. For additional information, visit the New York State Office of Victim Services' website at ovs.ny.gov or the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence website at opdv.ny.gov. Locally, contact the<strong> Center Against Domestic Violence</strong> at <strong>718-439-1000</strong> or the<strong> Urban Resource Institute</strong> at <strong>646-588-0030</strong>.</b></div>
</div>
<div><b><br></b><hr><div style="color:#994ebe">
<div><b><a shape="rect">[1]</a> cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/intimatepartnerviolence.pdf</b></div>
</div></div>
<div style="color:#994ebe"><b><br></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="color:#994ebe;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;text-align:center" align="center"><b><br>### </b></div>
<div style="color:#994ebe"><b>  </b></div>
<div style="color:#994ebe;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><b>  </b></div>
<div><b><span style="color:#994ebe">
</span></b><div><b>
</b><div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div><b>Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte represents the 42nd Assembly    District in the New York State Assembly representing Brooklyn    communities of Ditmas Park, Flatbush, East Flatbush and Midwood. She  is   currently the <strong>Chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs)</strong>,  and serves on the following committees: <strong>Housing, Government Operations,  Economic Development, Small Businesses, Banks and Social Services</strong>. She  is also the <strong>Vice Chair of the NYS Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, and Governor Cuomo's Domestic Violence Advisory Council. </strong></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div><b>  </b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div><b>As the current   Assemblymember and District Leader, Rodneyse  Bichotte has been outspoken   advocate on issues concerning immigration,  unemployment, education   reform, health care access, senior citizen  centers, affordable housing,   women's and LGBTQ rights, as well as  other issues affecting the quality   of life in the community.</b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div>
<div>
<div>
<div><b>  </b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="font-size:12pt"><b>
</b><div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div style="text-align:center" align="center"><b><strong>Learn more about </strong></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align:center" align="center">
<div><b><strong>Rodneyse Bichotte by visiting her website at <a style="color:rgb( 153 , 78 , 190 );text-decoration:underline" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001URzJn7REpAba4EU8CxmKyZDToND6IEa2GkxfHpZECQVRVJqEL6zHUaA7PlPvry3ZK3rX1Al-XlyU-ged1x7jS9U2gY7wNBFYtCP7DNYEEpeYEqiD-qWf8tkX1isBkiCKxqj2dknkv7UZznA-1UBJN8Vs_eqlp4ytMnr5tZfoaW6Bxhf4F8m5oY8J7L8YyYqQqgVd11FJnmz2x9HQx9SXNUAksR3xN_be8BIwE-GXcUKGCEaWcXfxtPs4rF0AAbfyx5MUIxKPDr7Fsh2api9I-rjedTa1re3l-71WMz8rhH0nBq-wCZqdWZiW8iamQ5MW3nZaslmj-kQ=&c=iNczzUHi9X20xMlId-3AJQmOAG8WjQRmB_cXu_WL5L1bz1G3XL1DiQ==&ch=TgFffKALRM3FeuDBeGP8_3F3YNx8eXFfBDOtrFnkI6J_vHR_L4mUjg==" shape="rect">www.rodneysebichotte.com</a> or <a style="color:rgb( 153 , 78 , 190 );text-decoration:underline" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001URzJn7REpAba4EU8CxmKyZDToND6IEa2GkxfHpZECQVRVJqEL6zHUT4rQ9krdGfa4pkKUjVHZEDJZUmzVIPmdcmUpGRwlJEPl92_SSqBAdNpOIfQk2KNtILVVt9XZuYyYgfCIcMY_ulZBhRePOTboK-sbbJGcQMgYrFd2zzqoVfCmvWZfEKbWDJvZ9ZGqgNkzuQ5S1gah6DlpJDSjBQEes6eK3xCZ8VRMfszauAk6MameLCR7ToAKT6LmyTQBvwDBH0ythcZoUFblmvNFOS7gb4PRMAxb1EihYeAf3MW9UIqcEHLBhmw8sSIWxEl1cnznieZal5qXTWc-wiwRFGN4yy8WmS88_Ue&c=iNczzUHi9X20xMlId-3AJQmOAG8WjQRmB_cXu_WL5L1bz1G3XL1DiQ==&ch=TgFffKALRM3FeuDBeGP8_3F3YNx8eXFfBDOtrFnkI6J_vHR_L4mUjg==" shape="rect">http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Rodneyse-Bichotte </a></strong></b></div>
</div>
</div>
<b><br></b></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><b>  </b></div>
<b><b style="font-size:10pt">
</b></b><div style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><b><b>  </b></b></div>
<div style="font-family:'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><b><b>  </b></b></div>
</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td width="100%" rowspan="1" colspan="1">
          
          
          
          
          </td></tr></tbody></table>
      </td></tr><tr><td height="10" width="100%" rowspan="1" colspan="1">
        
        </td></tr></tbody></table>
    </td></tr></tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="center" style="background-color:#ffffff">
<table style="background-color:#ffffff" border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td rowspan="1" colspan="1" align="center">

<table style="background-color:#ffffff" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td rowspan="1" colspan="1"><b><b><img height="5" vspace="0" border="0" hspace="0" width="1" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif"></b></b></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff" valign="top" width="610" rowspan="1" colspan="1" align="center"><div style="margin-left:auto;max-width:610px;margin-right:auto" align="center"><br></div></td><td rowspan="1" colspan="1"><b><b><img height="5" vspace="0" border="0" hspace="0" width="1" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif"></b></b></td></tr></tbody></table>
</td></tr></tbody></table>
</div></div>
</blockquote></div><br></div>