Queens, NY – Today, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows) announced that two bills she sponsors to protect and assist victims of domestic violence (A7964B) and homeless women veterans (A7259A) have passed the State Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support.

“It is our obligation to protect the most vulnerable populations of women,” said Assemblywoman Rozic. “They deserve support and protection to minimize the amount of hardships they face while trying to better their lives. Through my legislation, we can better assess how to help these women who are victims of domestic violence, homelessness, or sexual assault.”

Bill A7259A would require the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs to conduct a study on homeless women veterans and produce recommendations and solutions to benefit those suffering. Data from the United States Department of Veterans’ Affairs calculates that the homeless population of women veterans has doubled in recent years from 1,380 in 2006 to 3,328 in 2010.

Bill A7964B would allow domestic violence victims who are under contract with wireless companies to opt out of such plans without penalty. Over 450,000 incidents of domestic violence are reported in New York every year. This bill eliminates one of the numerous challenges victims face when trying to sever contact with their batterer. In an increasingly digital world it is vital that state laws are kept current to adequately protect victims.

“Statistics continue to show that women are more likely than men to become victims of these often hidden epidemics,” Rozic added. “Making it easier for those suffering to receive benefits and economic security is the only way to transform our society and protect New York women.”

After passing the Assembly, both bills have been delivered to the State Senate where they are sponsored by Senator Kevin Parker (D-Brooklyn). Assemblywoman Rozic will continue to push for the passage of these bills in the State Senate.