New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) announced he helped pass legislation to aid crime victims, including several measures that provide support for victims of human trafficking. National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is observed April 10-16 this year.

“Being the victim of a crime can be both physically and psychologically damaging,” Assemblyman Thiele said. “This legislation provides help and hope for crime victims, giving them some of the support they need to recover and move on with their lives.”

Combating human trafficking

One piece of Assembly legislation outlines stronger procedures for identifying and providing prompt support for trafficked persons, including enhanced efforts to provide housing and counseling for victims (A.2953-A). Additional bills mandate that casino employees complete training procedures for identifying possible victims of human trafficking as well as require certain health care workers be trained in identifying, assessing and referring victims (A.3419, A.8650-A). The Assembly also passed a measure that expands the activities of an interagency task force on human trafficking to further combat this horrific crime (A.9317).

“Human trafficking is modern-day slavery, claiming millions of victims around the world,” Thiele said. “As these criminals get more sophisticated, we must continue to find ways to work to stop it and protect the innocent individuals who fall victim to such a deplorable crime.”

Supporting victims of rape and sexual assault

Another piece of important legislation passed by the Assembly would redefine rape by removing the penetration requirement and including in the definition other forms of nonconsensual sexual conduct that are currently recognized by the law only as “criminal sexual acts” (A.4959-B).

“Anyone who has been forced to engage in a nonconsensual sex act is a rape victim,” Assemblyman Thiele said. “This legislation ensures that victims will be able to see justice done and that rapists are severely punished.”

Easing the financial burden on victims and their families

The Assembly passed a measure that would expand victims’ benefits to include out-of-pocket counseling expenses for domestic partners of homicide victims (A.3694-A).

“Families of crime victims often need help and support getting past the trauma,” Thiele said. “This measure ensures that all victims’ families get the assistance they need, whether it’s emotional or financial.”

In addition, the Assembly passed several bills that would help provide financial support to victims. One bill would allow courts to direct all or a portion of certain fines to the Office of Victim Services (A.2661), creating another revenue source to fund its victims’ assistance and victims’ award programs.

Another measure would allow victims to receive reimbursement for transportation costs associated with necessary court appearances (A.1097).

Protecting the rights of victims and their families

The Assembly’s legislative package includes a bill that would ensure victims of violent crimes or sex offenses are informed of their right to submit a statement to the state Parole Board if and when their perpetrator is being considered for parole (A.6945).

“The prospect of knowing that the person who committed a crime against you will be out in the community can be a very frightening one,” Thiele said. “Anyone who has been a victim of a violent crime or sex offense should have the right to know when a perpetrator is being considered for release and to have their voice heard.”

Safeguarding individuals who report crimes

Also included in the legislative package is a bill that would protect the right of tenants to report criminal acts, including acts of domestic violence, without the fear of losing their housing as the result of landlord actions or local nuisance laws (A.1322). Currently, many municipalities throughout the state have nuisance laws, which can be overly broad and, as a result, dissuade victims from calling the police or reporting crimes. Further, landlords would be protected from any penalties for respecting the rights of tenants to request police or emergency assistance.

“In cases of domestic violence or criminal activity, no one should ever have to fear losing their home because they called for help,” Assemblyman Thiele said. “We need more eyes and ears to help keep our communities safe.”