POUGHKEEPSIE — A bill that expands protections for victims of domestic violence and their families has been signed into law.
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the legislation, known as Melaine’s Law, during at an event in Poughkeepsie on Monday. The bill had already garnered unanimous support in the legislature.
Melanie’s Law (S6288/A6026) allows courts to issue orders of protection to family members or household members of a domestic violence victim, no matter their age.
State Sen. Michelle Hinchey’s office has said the impetus for Melanie’s Law stems from the murder of 29-year-old Melanie Chianese, a young mother from the town of Wappinger in Dutchess County, who was killed by an abusive former partner of her mother.
In 2023, Paul J. Senecal, a Poughkeepsie resident, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison in connection with Chianese’s killing, which happened a year before.
“Melanie Chianese should be standing with us today, along with countless New Yorkers lost at the hands of senseless and preventable acts of domestic violence,” Houchi said in a statement. “By signing Melanie’s law, we are committing New York State, our law enforcement and our legal system to the fundamental principle that every person deserves to be protected.”
Hinchey, D-Saugerties, who represents the 41st Senate District, said that the new law will protect entire families.
“Domestic violence leaves a trail of trauma that impacts entire families, and when people come forward for help, they deserve a legal system that offers protection and compassion,” Hinchey said in a statement. “I’m proud to sponsor Melanie’s Law, which will help do that, allowing orders of protection to now extend to relatives of DV victims, providing a safeguard for those who often bear the ripple effects of abuse”
Cheryl Chianese-Cavalli, the mother of Melanie Chianese, said the law provides another tool in the right against domestic violence.
“Today is a big step forward for domestic violence,” she said. “Melanie’s Law will save lives and her legacy will live on forever in our hearts.”