'It was bittersweet.' Dutchess County mother hopes newly signed 'Melanie's Law' will save lives
The law specifically expands the jurisdiction of the family court, so that orders can include adult relatives of domestic violence victims, ensuring that family members at risk of harm can file their own protective orders.
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A state law named after a slain Wappinger’s woman, aimed at closing a dangerous loophole to protect adult relatives of domestic violence victims, was signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday during a special ceremony in Dutchess County that included the victim’s mother in attendance.
“It was bittersweet,” says Melanie’s mother Cheryl Chianese. “It was two years in the making to get Melanie’s Law to pass and signed by the governor. I felt relief, happy and at the same time, sad."
Melanie’s Law is named in memory of Melanie Chianese, a 29-year-old mother who was murdered by her mother’s ex-boyfriend. At the time, a protective order was in effect for Melanie‘s mother but it did not extend to Melanie, exposing a critical gap in criminal procedure law and the family court act.
The law specifically expands the jurisdiction of the family court, so that orders can include adult relatives of domestic violence victims, ensuring that family members at risk of harm can file their own protective orders.
“Today is the culmination of years of advocacy and effort on behalf of victims of abuse," said state Sen. Rob Rolison, who co-sponsored the bill. "This critical legislation will finally provide the Chianese family with some measure of closure to their tragedy, protect domestic violence victims and strengthen New York's criminal laws by closing an unconscionable loophole.”
The bill was signed into law the day after what would have been Chianese’s 32nd birthday.
"I'm really glad the governor sensed the urgency of this bill and signed it as quickly as it was," Cheryl Chianese said. "My hope is, moving forward, that this bill saves a life. That’s all it needs to save.”
If you or someone you know needs support, help is available. Contact the Center for Victim Safety and Support at Family Services:
24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline: 845-485-5550
Text Line: 845-583-0800
