A deadly loophole in New York’s domestic violence law has finally been closed.
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed “Melanie’s Law” — which allows courts to issue protective orders for family members of domestic violence victims, regardless of age — during an emotional ceremony in Poughkeepsie on Monday.
The law’s namesake – Melanie Chianese, 29 – was murdered in 2022 by her mother’s abusive ex-boyfriend Cheryl Chianese-Cavalli, who had sought protection orders for herself and her 4-year-old grandson while the enemy awaited sentencing. crime of domestic violence.
But New York law did not allow Chianese-Cavilli to get the same protection for her daughter, Hochul noted.
“When the abuser couldn’t reach her, he took it out on the most loved person in her life,” she said.
The ex-boyfriend – Paul Senecal, 40 – is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole in the senseless Dutchess County murder.
The shocking crime prompted a bipartisan effort by Chianese-Cavilli and state lawmakers to close the loophole that limits protections to only children under 18.
Lawmakers in May passed a bill that became known as “Melanie’s Law,” which was sponsored by Hudson Valley State Sen. Michelle Hinchey.
The law extends protections for victims of domestic violence to all their family and household members.
Just before Hochul signed the legislation into law, a soft-spoken Chianese-Cavalli noted that Sunday would have been her daughter Melanie’s 32nd birthday.
She said Melanie wanted to become a certified drug and alcohol counselor.
“Melanie’s Law will save lives and her legacy will live on in our hearts forever,” she said.
