March 11, 2009

LEGISLATOR URGES PASSING OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIM PROTECTION BILL

(Amherst, NY) – Legislator Edward A. Rath III, 15th District, has submitted a resolution urging the passage of "Jilly's Law," a bill that provides additional protection to victims of domestic violence throughout New York State. "Jilly's Law" is currently in the New York State Legislature as Senate Bill Number 1401 and Assembly Bill Number 3035. The bill is named after Jill Cahill, who was brutally beaten into a coma and later murdered by her husband, Jeff Cahill, while recovering in the hospital.

Supporters of the bill note that while there is currently some protection for domestic violence victims, the only factor being taken into consideration when determining bail at this time is risk of flight. The bill would permit courts to view any and all violations of court orders, threats, previous records of protection against individuals and the degree of violence in the charged crime when determining bail in domestic violence cases. "Domestic violence is a tragedy that tears families apart and ruins lives," Rath said, "Officials throughout the state must work together to insure that people are safe in their communities and in their homes."

Rath also noted the appropriate timing of the bill's presentation. Rath commented, "March is ‘National Women's History Month'. It is the perfect time to address an issue that has tragically affected the history of many women in our community. By ensuring that victims are better protected from their attackers, the rate of domestic violence in Erie County will decrease."

Rath plans to seek immediate consideration of the resolution at Thursday's meeting of the full legislature. "We must send a message to Albany that Erie County opposes domestic violence and that we must protect its victims," stated Rath. "I will continue to urge our leaders in Albany to act on "Jilly's Law" until it is signed into law."

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