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Crime victim services bill passes in Senate, Assembly: Stavisky

State Sen. Toby Stavisky (D−Whitestone) announced Monday that the state had passed legislation she authored requiring authorities to inform crime victims of services available to them.

The bill, sponsored by state Assemblywoman Nettie Mayersohn (D−Flushing) in the Assembly, requires police stations, district attorney offices, hospitals, domestic violence shelters and homeless shelters to provide printed information to crime victims about relevant social service and financial assistance.

“This legislation will assist victims of crimes at a time when they most need it — as they try to put their lives back together after going to the authorities to report the incident,” Stavisky said. “Crime victims who know their rights and are familiar with the services available to them are more likely to get the help they need and to cooperate with the authorities, which will make our cities safer and more prosperous in the long run.”

The bill passed unanimously in the Senate last week.

— Stephen Stirling