WAPPINGERS FALLS — A state law known as Melanie’s Law, which expands eligibility for restraining orders, could soon be considered at the federal level. The legislation, originally introduced by Republican then-state Senator Sue Serino and later advanced by Senator Michelle Hinchey (D, Saugerties) and Assemblyman AJ Beephan (R, East Fishkill), was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul in 2024.
The law is named for Melanie Chianese of Wappingers Falls, who was killed in 2022 at age 29 by her mother’s ex-boyfriend, Paul Senecal. At the time, state law did not allow family members to seek protective orders unless they were directly involved in the relationship. Senecal, who had previously violated orders of protection obtained by Chianese’s mother and son, blamed Melanie for his breakup with her mother before fatally attacking her. Melanie was unable to obtain an order of protection under the law as it existed at the time.
Prior to the law’s passage, protective orders in New York were limited to domestic violence victims, minors in their care, and others deemed eligible by a judge. Melanie’s Law expanded family court jurisdiction to allow relatives of domestic violence victims to request protection, aiming to close gaps that put at-risk family members in danger.
The bill was signed into law in Poughkeepsie in 2024 by Hochul, who said its passage was a commitment to protecting all New Yorkers from domestic violence.
On Sunday, U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan, (D-NY-19), announced at Carnwath Farm in Wappinger that he will introduce legislation to bring Melanie’s Law to the federal level. The proposal would address similar gaps in domestic violence protections in other states. More than 100 people attended the event.
“More than one in three women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime – and for too long, an oversight in federal law has left their families vulnerable,”said Ryan.“It is because of Melanie’s story, her mother Cheryl’s bravery, and exceptional leadership at the state level that New York corrected that oversight and passed Melanie’s law. But this isn’t just a New York issue – it’s a national one. That’s why I am so proud to be introducing Melanie’s Law at the federal level. I want to thank Cheryl for her advocacy, heroically turning her grief into action to protect domestic violence survivors and their families, hold abusers fully accountable, and save countless lives.”
Cheryl Chianese said she was in awe that her work, in honor of her daughter, was going national, telling Mid-Hudson News, “This legislation is essential to make sure no family is left vulnerable and unprotected. Melanie’s Law will close the gap by extending orders of protection to immediate family members of domestic violence victims, regardless of age. Stronger domestic violence laws are essential to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure safety is recognized as a fundamental right.”
.
Comments