SLATER, ROLISON PUSH TO EXTEND SHELTER STAYS FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS

The current 180-day cap on shelter stays, coupled with New York’s ongoing housing crisis, leaves many survivors with nowhere safe to go once time runs out

L-R: Brianna Adams, PNWWRC Associate Executive Director Jessica Grainger, Julia Papanicolaou, PNWWRC Executive Director Piaget Solpiaget, Sen. Rob Rolison, Pat McKim, Assemblyman Matt Slater, Terri Balmer, Putnam Valley Town Supervisor Jacqueline Annabi and Judy Margiotta pictured at Putnam Valley Town Hall.

Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) joined Sen. Rob Rolison, Putnam Valley Town Supervisor Jacqueline Annabi and leaders of the Putnam/Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center (PNWWRC) at Putnam Valley Town Hall to highlight legislation that would extend the maximum length of stay for domestic violence survivors in shelters.

The proposal, introduced by Slater and Rolison, aims to give survivors the time and stability they need to heal, rebuild and transition to permanent housing, a process made increasingly difficult by New York’s ongoing housing crisis. This policy focuses on lasting change and prevention rather than temporary safety.

“Putting a timeline on how long we can help a victim of domestic violence, telling them they only have a certain amount of time to get better or back on their feet—that’s not right,” said Slater. “One hundred eighty days is arbitrary. This bill will ensure more time is granted when needed. This is common sense for the victim and for the system, and it’s going to save lives.”

Executive Director of the Putnam Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center Piaget Solpiaget said, “Extending the length of stay for domestic violence survivors in shelter is a critical step towards breaking the cycle of abuse. Too often, survivors are forced to choose between returning to unsafe situations or facing homelessness because the clock runs out on their shelter stay. This bill recognizes that recovery takes time, time to heal, time to find stable housing and time to regain a sense of stability and control over one’s life. It’s a policy rooted in compassion, dignity and the understanding that safety should never come with an expiration date.”

Slater continued, “Piaget said it best: Survivors deserve safety for more than just a moment; they deserve safety for a lifetime. With my colleague Sen. Rolison, we’re doing everything we can in Albany to help survivors of domestic violence. Everyone should feel safe in their homes and in their communities. This is what makes the job worth doing—solving problems, providing solutions and working with great leaders.”

To emphasize the urgency of the issue, Slater and Rolison have sent a joint letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul urging her to include the proposal in her 2026–2027 Executive Budget.

Sen. Rolison said, “As we mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it’s important to remember that safety and stability don’t follow a timeline. Survivors often need more than a few weeks to rebuild their lives. This bill recognizes that reality by allowing longer stays in domestic violence shelters—giving survivors the time, space and support they need to heal and plan for their futures.”

Putnam Valley Town Supervisor Jacqueline Annabi said, “I would like to thank Assemblyman Matt Slater and Senator Rob Rolison for championing this critical piece of legislation. We are committed to the safety, security and well-being of all residents. We strongly support this legislation and respectfully urge Governor Kathy Hochul to include it in the 2026–2027 Executive Budget. By doing so, survivors will be provided the additional time and stability they need to rebuild their lives safely. No one should have to choose between returning to a dangerous situation and having a place to sleep. The Town of Putnam Valley stands with our state representatives in support of this initiative, recognizing the vital role it plays in protecting some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”