Turn To Tara: NYC lawmaker demands domestic violence laws change after ‘No Way Out’ series
Posted: Updated:A Turn To Tara investigation that exposed loopholes in the state’s domestic violence laws has caught the attention of a New York City lawmaker who is now demanding change.
Laura Panek, a newly retired nurse, spoke out for the first time publicly in the “No Way Out” series.
In Panek’s case – despite the fact that her ex-husband tried to kill her and is now in prison – her divorce ended with a judge forcing her to pay him $810 a month out of her pension.
MORE: No Way Out series
Bronx Assemblywoman Karines Reyes says Panek’s stories resonated with her.
The freshman Democrat is a nurse who also says she survived an abusive relationship.
After watching Panek’s story on News 12, Reyes decided to take action, becoming the primary Assembly sponsor of a bill that would force a judge to factor in a batterer’s criminal history during matrimonial proceedings. Currently, this is discretionary.
"I think this isn't something that can't be left up to interpretation," says Reyes. "This is definitely a priority for me. I think that particularly, thanks to stories like the ones you put together, the bill has gotten some traction and some publicity and I think this is going to help us move it forward sooner rather than later."
Reyes says the bill should be called Laura’s Law.
The bill Reyes is hoping to pass was first introduced by state Sen. David Carlucci. It is currently in committee.
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Got a problem? You should Turn to Tara. Here's how.
Got a problem? You should Turn to Tara. Here's how.
Do you need to Turn to Tara?
Tara has your back and wants to hear from you. Reach her by email, Twitter or Facebook.Do you need to Turn to Tara?
Tara has your back and wants to hear from you. Reach her by email, Twitter or Facebook.‘Data tax’ would let NY residents share in wealth of big tech data collection
‘Data tax’ would let NY residents share in wealth of big tech data collection
Every time you turn on your phone, check your email or shop online – your personal data is likely being collected, shared and sold for profit by big tech companies.
Every time you turn on your phone, check your email or shop online – your personal data is likely being collected, shared and sold for profit by big tech companies.
Though New York would be the first to pass such a law, other states like California are also considering doing the same thing.Though New York would be the first to pass such a law, other states like California are also considering doing the same thing.Power and Politics: Westchester County Executive George Latimer
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Westchester County Executive George Latimer recently sat down for a one-on-one interview with News 12’s Tara Rosenblum, where they discussed his life in inside and outside politics.Westchester County Executive George Latimer recently sat down for a one-on-one interview with News 12’s Tara Rosenblum, where they discussed his life in inside and outside politics.Turn To Tara: Hastings neighbors say officials broke promises about James Street safety measures
Turn To Tara: Hastings neighbors say officials broke promises about James Street safety measures
News 12's Tara Rosenblum is revisiting one of Westchester’s river towns to investigate if promises that officials made about making safety measures on a dangerous road have been fulfilled.News 12's Tara Rosenblum is revisiting one of Westchester’s river towns to investigate if promises that officials made about making safety measures on a dangerous road have been fulfilled.Turn To Tara: Low-E windows raise safety concerns
Turn To Tara: Low-E windows raise safety concerns
A window battle heating up in Hastings has pit neighbor against neighbor - and could have legal consequences well beyond the Hudson Valley.A window battle heating up in Hastings has pit neighbor against neighbor - and could have legal consequences well beyond the Hudson Valley.
