Brooklyn Assemblymember Brian A. Cunningham and other elected officials recently held a press conference in Crown Heights to show their support for the passing of Melanie’s Law.
Melanie’s Law is a new bill that, if passed, would allow courts to issue orders of protection for immediate family members or household members of domestic violence victims, regardless of their age.
The legislation is named after Melanie Chianese, a 29-year-old mother who was murdered back in 2022 by her mother’s ex-boyfriend following a series of stalking and harassment incidents.
At the time, a judge had issued an order of protection for Chianese’s son and her mother Cheryl, but her own request was denied due to her not being a minor, exposing a major loophole in the process.
"Domestic Violence offenders want their victims to endure a lifetime of pain and suffering. Melanie Chianese lost her life at the hands of my offender because of WHO she was, my daughter,” said Cheryl Chianese-Cavalli.
“Melanie's Law NEEDS to be passed so that everyone in the household is protected regardless of age. This will close a dangerous loophole so this horrific tragedy, which shook our community, NEVER happens again."
Melanie’s Law was established as part of a bipartisan partnership between Assemblymember Cunningham and East Fishkill Assemblyman Anil Beephan, Jr., who was Chianese’s representative in the New York State Assembly.
Cunningham introduced the bill during a New York State Assembly conference, with hopes of it being enacted into law in the near future.
“Domestic violence touches people of all identities and backgrounds, impacting not only direct targets but their loved ones as well,” said Cunningham.
“The tragic death of Melanie Chianese is a stark reminder that we cannot rest until the scourge of domestic violence is eliminated. I am grateful to have Assemblyman Beephan as a partner in this effort, proving that we can still work across the aisle to pass common-sense legislation that will save lives."
