Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (D-Scarsdale) announced the Assembly and Senate passed a bill she authored that will increase the maximum duration of orders of protection for victims of domestic violence (A.8923-A).

“This legislation will increase the maximum duration of an order of protection from one to two years and, with aggravating circumstances, a maximum of 5 years,” Paulin said. “This bill ensures these victims do not have to incur further aggravation by being forced to return to court to extend an order that is about to expire.”

The bill would also clarify that violation of a prior valid order of protection would enable the court to issue an order for a maximum of 5 years.

This legislation builds on Paulin’s previous efforts to fight domestic violence. Last year, she sponsored legislation creating a new “peace at home” license plate to raise awareness of the abuse and violence that occurs all too often in homes (A.11870). She also sponsored a law to enhance protection for victims of harassment or threats of violence (Ch. 385 of 2001).

“I have seen first hand the trauma and frustration associated with this type of abuse,” said Paulin, former executive director of My Sisters’ Place — an agency that provides comprehensive services for victims of domestic violence. “I am dedicated to ensuring these victims do not have to endure further pain because of impractical laws. I urge the governor to help protect domestic violence victims by quickly signing this bill into law.”