As the legislative session nears its end, a bill aimed at improving protections for victims of domestic violence is gaining support in New York State. On June 4, 2025, Senator Rob Rolison joined fellow lawmakers Senator Lea Webb and Assemblymember Sarah Clark at a press conference to advocate for legislation (S2280A/A4899A) that would require law enforcement officers to conduct lethality assessments during responses to domestic violence incidents.
The proposed law mandates that police complete a lethality assessment as part of the standardized domestic incident report form. The goal is to better identify individuals at risk and connect them with resources that could help prevent further harm.
Joseph Petito, whose daughter Gabby Petito was killed by her partner in 2021, spoke at the event. He and his family run the Gabby Petito Foundation, which supports victims of domestic violence and works to ensure missing persons cases receive proper attention. “Our family stands firmly in support of NY Bill S2280A/A4899A. This represents a critical step towards helping victims of domestic violence by prioritizing prevention and giving our law enforcement the tools to access and respond to domestic violence more effectively. It’s a big jump to a future where every individual can feel safe in their own home,” said Joseph Petito.
Lethality assessments are already used in some parts of New York, including Broome, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. Research has shown that using these assessments can reduce female homicide by men by nearly 40%. By sharing information through these assessments, law enforcement can empower victims with knowledge about their risks and available resources.
The Senate passed the bipartisan measure unanimously on May 13, 2025; it now awaits action in the Assembly.
Senator Rob Rolison emphasized the importance of expanding this tool statewide: “The Lethality Assessment has been a vital part of our response to domestic violence, equipping survivors with the critical information they need to make informed choices about their safety. Dutchess County is one of just three counties in New York currently using this proven, life-saving tool — and it’s time we change that. It should be implemented statewide to strengthen how we support and protect survivors in every community.”
Senator Lea Webb highlighted broader issues addressed by the bills: “Both of these bills are about saving lives and addressing long-standing disparities in how we protect vulnerable communities,” she said. “Whether it’s ensuring a domestic violence survivor understands the real and immediate risk they face, or making sure the disappearance of a Black girl is treated with the same urgency as any other missing persons case, we must act. These are tools our law enforcement officers and families need right now.”
Senator Anthony Palumbo also voiced his support: “I am proud to stand with Joseph Petito, father of Gabby Petito, Senator Lea Webb and my legislative colleagues to advocate for the full passage and enactment of this critical measure to provide victims of domestic violence with greater protections,” he said. “Lethality assessments are an important tool, and potentially life saving layer of support for victims of domestic violence, helping to safeguard them from further harm and connecting them with vital resources. This legislation is important to the Petito family, whose Foundation assists victims of domestic violence and the countless New Yorkers living in domestic violence situations. As the final days of session approach, it is imperative that we get this bill passed and signed into law.”
If enacted statewide, supporters believe lethality assessments could play an important role in preventing deaths related to intimate partner violence across New York.
