A deadly loophole in New York domestic violence law has finally been closed.
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed “Melanie’s Law” — which allows courts to issue orders of protection for domestic violence victims’ family members, regardless of their age — during an emotional ceremony in Poughkeepsie on Monday.
The law’s namesake — Melanie Chianese, 29 — was murdered in 2022 by the abusive ex-boyfriend of her mother Cheryl Chianese-Cavalli, who had requested orders of protection for herself and her 4-year-old grandson while the fiend awaited sentencing on a felony domestic violence charge.
But New York law wouldn’t let Chianese-Cavilli get the same protection for her daughter, Hochul noted.
“When the abuser couldn’t get to her, he took it out on the most beloved person in her life,” she said.
The ex-boyfriend — Paul Senecal, 40 — is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole in the senseless Dutchess County slaying.
The shocking crime prompted a bipartisan push by Chianese-Cavilli and state lawmakers to close the loophole that limited protections only to children under 18.
Lawmakers passed in May what became known as “Melanie’s Law,” which was sponsored by Hudson Valley state Sen. Michelle Hinchey.
The law expands protections for domestic violence victims to all their family and household members.
Moments before Hochul signed the legislation into law, a soft-spoken Chianese-Cavalli noted that Sunday would have been her daughter Melanie’s 32nd birthday.
She said Melanie wanted to be a certified drug and alcohol counselor.
“Melanie’s Law will save lives and her legacy will live forever in our hearts,” she said.
