Washington, May 5 -- Congressman Pat Ryan issued the following press release:
Yesterday, Congressman Pat Ryan announced the federal introduction of "Melanie's Law," historic New York State legislation that allows the adult family of domestic violence survivors to obtain orders of protection against abusers.
"Melanie's Law," signed into law in New York in 2024, is named for Wappingers Falls woman Melanie Chianese. In 2022, Melanie was killed by her mother's abuser after an egregious gap in the law left her unable to obtain an order of protection. Ryan's legislation incentivizes states to adopt laws similar to "Melanie's Law" through the creation of a new federal grant program.
"More than one in three women will experience domestic viole...