New Law Permitting Victims to Break their Lease

An article in the New York Daily News today entitled "Abuse vics can break lease with judge OK" by CHRISENA COLEMAN is about new legislation permitting victims to break their leases in order to help them escape from their desperate situation.

This bill has become an answer to so many cases in which victims are penalized financially for trying to escape their situation.

The article states, "Johnson and Heastie said the legislation will remove one of the most important obstacles domestic violence victims face and they will have the freedom to leave on their own terms. Heastie said the bill has protections in place for landlords. The domestic violence issue cannot be used as an excuse to break a lease. Domestic violence victims will have to petition the judge in order to vacate the lease and landlords will be given an opportunity to be heard by the judge as well."

Aside from the article, it is a good step in the right direction that there is legislation being put forward to help give victims assistance. However, this legislation does not go far enough. Not all courts recognize domestic violence unless there is proven physical abuse, thus turning a blind eye towards acts that the victim may have had to endure. Clearly New York recognises there is a major problem here, but the legislation stops short of giving equal relief to ALL victims seeking escape from their terrifying situation.