NEW YORK – Today, New York City Mayor Eric Adams signed two pieces of legislation to assist victims of gender-based and domestic abuse in the city. Introduction 153-A changes the administrative code of New York City by introducing a housing stability program for victims of gender-based and domestic abuse. The Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV) is required to construct an online services portal and guide as part of the Intro. 154-A, which modifies the administrative code of New York City.
According to Mayor Adams, everyone needs to feel secure in their relationships and be free from gender-based and domestic abuse. “This is a problem with public safety that affects us all. Anyone in our city can experience domestic or gender-based violence, and our holy duty is to care for the survivors. We are ensuring that individuals in danger remain protected and allowed to prosper by signing these two pieces of legislation into law. Together, we can end gender-based and domestic violence and create a city where everyone feels safe in their neighborhoods and at home.
Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom said, “Today’s bill signing underscores our city’s commitment to assisting survivors of domestic and gender-based violence and ensuring they have access to the tools they need to recover and thrive. “I’m excited to work with ENDGBV and our partner organizations to put this initiative into action and support keeping our survivors in safe, stable homes,” said the participant.
According to ENDGBV Commissioner Cecile Noel, “We commend Mayor Adams and the New York City Council for approving and enacting Councilmember Cabán’s ‘Support Survivors’ legislative package. “This act ensures that gender-based and domestic abuse victims can access the tools they need to find security, stability, and recovery. This law addresses a crucial need for survivors, low-barrier, flexible funding to help their housing and safety-related needs, and raising awareness about the city and community-based programs for survivors. We are pleased to collaborate with our sister organizations and the City Council to address this issue and improve vital survivor resources. Domestic and gender-based violence are major contributors to homelessness in our city and countrywide.
New York City Councilmember Tiffany Cabán’s Intro. 153-A would require ENDGBV to create a program to offer survivors of domestic and gender-based violence a low-barrier grant and supportive services that would assist survivors with costs associated with maintaining housing, in consultation with the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) and community-based organizations. According to the bill, ENDGBV must submit an annual report on the program. The law has also updated the definitions section utilized in this portion of the code.
