New York Laws Expand Protections for Abuse Survivors
Governor Kathy Hochul signed three new measures to strengthen safety and privacy for survivors of violence.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Sex Crimes
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed three new laws designed to increase protections for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. The measures aim to keep survivor addresses private while mandating new resource displays in lodging facilities.
Why it matters
The legislation is intended to keep the personal addresses of survivors hidden from their abusers. These changes update existing security protocols to better reflect the risks posed by nonconsensual intimate image sharing.
The new laws mandate voter registration confidentiality for four years, with the Board of Elections required to mail renewal notices at least six months before expiration. Lodging facilities must now display human trafficking resources to remain compliant.
The players
Kathy Hochul
She is the Governor of New York who signed the new legislative package into law.
New York Board of Elections
This state agency is responsible for notifying domestic violence survivors regarding their voter registration confidentiality status.
The details
The laws expand the Address Confidentiality Program to include victims of nonconsensual intimate image sharing, providing them with a substitute mailing address. Additionally, the state has committed a total of $123 million across two major funding initiatives to support victim services and violence prevention.
Timeline
Governor Kathy Hochul signed three new laws on October 27, 2026.
Voter registration confidentiality protections last for four years.
The Board of Elections must mail renewal notices at least six months before confidentiality expires.
Legal Context
The new statutes build upon the framework established by New York's Address Confidentiality Program. These additions mark a formal expansion of privacy protections to address emerging digital threats like nonconsensual intimate image sharing.
Survivors of domestic violence or intimate image sharing can now utilize a substitute mailing address to maintain residential privacy. Victims should contact state services to determine their eligibility for these updated protection programs.
The takeaway
These laws aim to reduce the risk of further abuse by safeguarding the physical locations of survivors. Residents in need can reach the Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline for assistance at 800-942-6906.
Further reading
For additional information on support services, visit New York Sex Crimes.
More information
Residents can access local support through the state domestic and sexual violence resources portal.
