Editor’s Note: Video of Giglio speaking at the press conference can be found here.

Report can be found here

Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio (R,C,I-Gowanda), the chair of the Assembly Minority Task Force on Preventing Domestic Violence, held a press conference this morning to announce the group’s findings and recommendations to help victims and advocates.

“Having traveled throughout the state hearing the brave stories of victims of domestic violence breaks my heart. By listening to victims and experts, our Conference feels we have a strong list of recommendations that will take immediate steps to protect victims and their loved ones.”

Giglio and his colleagues on the task force have several recommended solutions:

• Declare domestic violence a statewide public health crisis.
• Provide funding to cover the housing needs for those seeking shelter from their abusers.
• Create a new law “Domestic Violence in the Presence of a Child” crime which would create much more severe consequences for the abuser.
• Found a state-funded training system to promote coordination between law enforcement, prosecutors and administrators with the goal of providing seamless assistance to victims and greater understanding of their personal situation.
• Designate resources to allow local agencies to provide instruction and assistance to directly support victims.
• Arrange funds to help negate the cost of living expenses victims suffer while seeking help to distance themselves from their abuser.

“My colleagues and I have done extensive work, talking with victims, counselors and law enforcement to develop a method to bring back hope and security to those victims. The one place you should feel completely safe is in your own home and I am resolved to ensure that feeling is brought to every person in our state.”