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.
Turn to TaraMore>>
Got a problem? You should Turn to Tara. Here's how.
Got a problem? You should Turn to Tara. Here's how.
Turn to Tara
Turn to Tara
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.'The Mooch': A Power & Politics Special
'The Mooch': A Power & Politics Special
The shortest-lived White House communications director, turned outspoken voice against President Trump joins Tara Rosenblum for a half-hour special of Power and Politics.The shortest-lived White House communications director, turned outspoken voice against President Trump joins Tara Rosenblum for a half-hour special of Power and Politics.Hate at Home Part 5: Why enforcing hate crime laws is so challenging
Hate at Home Part 5: Why enforcing hate crime laws is so challenging
Our database shows a bias incident happens at least one out of every six days in our area. But not all of these incidents lead to a police report.Our database shows a bias incident happens at least one out of every six days in our area. But not all of these incidents lead to a police report.Hate at Home Part 4: Rising hate in New York schools
Hate at Home Part 4: Rising hate in New York schools
Kids as young as 6 are now victims of hate as a growing crisis spreads throughout the hallways of New York schools.Kids as young as 6 are now victims of hate as a growing crisis spreads throughout the hallways of New York schools.Hate at Home Part 3: Probe finds anti-Semitic incidents are surging in NY
Hate at Home Part 3: Probe finds anti-Semitic incidents are surging in NY
In part three of “Hate at Home,” News 12 explores religious discrimination throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley.In part three of “Hate at Home,” News 12 explores religious discrimination throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley.
