On Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Governor David Paterson
signed a historic
"Fair Access to Family Court" Bill
granting all intimate partners the ability to obtain
civil Orders of Protection in Family Court
 

The new law expands access to civil orders of protection to intimate partners, including dating couples, same-sex couples, and teen-age couples.  This bill ensures that related protections, such as strengthened arrest requirements of abusers and stricter penalties for certain violations of orders of protection are also available to this expanded groups of individuals.

Prior to the passage of "Fair Access" only people related by blood, marriage or a child in common could access Family Court.
 

Click here to read the
full text of Bill
(S.8665 Winner/A.11707 Weinstein)


Click here to read read the press release from Gov. Paterson's office announcing
the legislation

 

According to Gov. Paterson, "Our laws need to be strong and they need to reflect the times we live in.  Victims of domestic violence - women, men, married, single, gay, straight, young and old - all deserve the best protection the law can provide.  With this new law, many more people than ever before will be afforded the chance to live safe lives."

Vera House Executive Director Randi Bregman states, "the passing of this legislation is ground-breaking and is crucial for comprehensive victim services.  I'm thrilled New York State now joins the rest of the nation in addressing disparities in protection that have existed for more than 20 years.  On behalf of all of the staff of Vera House and those we serve, thank you to Gov. Paterson, Sens. DeFrancisco & Valesky and Assembly members Christensen, Magnarelli, Barclay, Stirpe & Kolb for their support of this critically important legislation."
 

 
Q: What is an Order of Protection?

A:  It is a legal document in which a judge orders someone to follow specific conditions of behavior - that is, tells someone things that they must or must not do.  Police can make immediate arrests if they have reason to believe those conditions have been violated.  The purpose of the Temporary Order of Protection is to maintain peace and provide protection until all the facts have been gathered and the case is held in Court.  When the Court is convinced that someone has committed an offense or endangered the person protected by the Order, a final Order is issued.  In New York, every Order has a specific expiration date.  Under certain circumstances, Orders may be extended or renewed.
 

Onondaga County Justice System Data

In a typical year, Onondaga County Family Court issues more than 750 Temporary Orders of Protection and almost 400 Permanent Orders of Protection.

Law enforcement responds to approximately 15,000 domestic violence calls each year.