CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN INTRODUCES “MELANIE’S LAW,” HISTORIC LEGISLATION PROTECTING VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND THEIR FAMILIES

Congressman Pat Ryan Introduces "Melanie's Law," Historic Legislation Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence and Their Families

Ryan's bill works to ensure New York State's "Melanie's Law" is the law of the land in every state

"Melanie's Law" - named for Wappingers Falls woman Melanie Chianese who was killed by her mother's abuser in 2022 - allows the adult children of domestic violence survivors to obtain orders of protection against their family members' abusers

WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY - 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 violence in their lifetime - and for too long, an oversight in the law has left their families vulnerable," said Congressman Pat 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."

"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," said Cheryl Chianese, Melanie's mother.

"I was proud to be the initial sponsor of Melanie's Law, when I served in the New York State Senate. This critical legislation was created after the loss my friend Cheryl Chianese suffered when her daughter, Melanie, was killed in a tragic domestic violence incident, right here in Dutchess County," said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. "No mother or family should ever have to deal with the grief they did, so I took action to extend protection orders to family members, closing a major loophole in the law. I am grateful to Congressman Ryan for finishing this crucial work at the federal level that will expand these protections far beyond New York State."

Senator Michelle Hinchey said, "Thanks to one mother's extraordinary courage and advocacy for change, we were able to get our Melanie's Law bill passed in the New York State Legislature, signed by the Governor, and inspire a bill in Congress to make a difference in combating domestic violence nationwide. Families often bear the ripple effects of domestic abuse, and when people come forward for help, they deserve supportive services and a justice system that offers protection and compassion. I thank Melanie's mother, Cheryl Chianese, who has been the driving force for this legislation, and Congressman Ryan for his partnership. In New York, Cheryl's bravery has provided families with a stronger voice in their pursuit of safety through Melanie's Law, and it was an honor to carry this bill in the State Senate. We hope to see Congress follow our lead and extend this support to families across the country."

"Abusers often harm siblings, parents and adult children of their victims to manipulate, coerce, and traumatize their primary victim. This is especially true when a survivor has just left an abusive relationship and moves in with family members as they begin their path to safety and independence. Unfortunately, this is also the time when survivors and their families are at the greatest risk. We thank Congressman Ryan for introducing this legislation to ensure robust protections are in place for all members of a victim's family, particularly those who live in the same household or in close proximity to the primary victim," said Joan Gerhardt, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy at the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

"New York's Melanie's Law set an important precedent by strengthening protections for survivors and reinforcing the importance of orders of protection," said Leah Feldman, CEO of Family Services. "Congressman Ryan's effort to bring this framework to the national level is a meaningful opportunity to honor Melanie's legacy by expanding these critical safeguards to survivors across the country. Family Services is proud to partner with Congressman Ryan and Cheryl Chianese to help ensure that every survivor has access to the protections and supports they deserve."

Prior to the passage of "Melanie's Law" in New York, if someone was being abused, they could ask the court for an order of protection for themself and their children under 18 years of age. That left a gap, leaving the adult children of abuse victims vulnerable to harassment. That's exactly what happened to Melanie Chianese. While Melanie's mother, Cheryl obtained an order of protection against the abuser, Melanie, who lived under the same roof, was denied because she was 29 years old.

Melanie's Law expanded the definition of who counts as a "family or household member" for the purposes of obtaining a protective order to include adult relatives of someone in a current or former intimate relationship with the abuser. In Melanie's situation today, she could have walked into court and obtained her own order, regardless of her age.

Congressman Ryan's bill incentivizes states to adopt similar laws by creating a grant program, administered by the Department of Justice (DOJ), to fund increased officer training, improve administration of orders of protection, and fund expanded support services for victims and their families.

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