Pace Women’s Justice Center Executive Director Cindy Kanusher Speaks on the Recently Enacted Safety Measures for Survivors of Domestic Violence Act

The Pace Women’s Justice Center joined members of the Westchester County Board of Legislators and Westchester County Executive George Latimer for the signing of the Safety Measures for Survivors of Domestic Violence Act. The Act is part of an ongoing effort to protect victims and survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. In part, the Act will provide free lock changes and the installation of a video doorbell at a domestic violence survivor’s home.

Image

During the press conference, which was attended by numerous local organizations and advocates for the Act, Cindy Kanusher, Executive Director of the Pace Women’s Justice Center spoke. “The Pace Women’s Justice Center is so grateful to our County Executive and our County Legislators for their continued support of victims of domestic violence,” said Kanusher. “Through our work providing free legal services to thousands of survivors annually, we know that victims face numerous challenges that prevent them from leaving an abusive relationship. The program established by this law, which will pay for lock changes and the installation of security camera systems, will give survivors the opportunity to remain safely in their homes and rebuild their lives. It will be an invaluable resource for so many in our community.”

Elisabeth Haub School of Law student Laurel Jobe, a rising 3L, played an important role in the research that led to the new legislation, which will, in part, provide free lock changes and the installation of a video doorbell at a domestic violence survivor’s home. Additionally, under the Act, the Westchester County Office for Women will contract with designated community-based organizations, including the Pace Women’s Justice Center (PWJC). PWJC and other organizations will conduct intake with survivors to determine program eligibility, coordinate with licensed vendors regarding the installation of the dwelling safety measures, conduct an education and outreach program, and more.

PWJC Executive Director, Cindy Kanusher, Esq., was recently selected for inclusion on City & State’s inaugural "Trailblazers in Law" list. The Trailblazers in Law award spotlights attorneys, academics, public officials, and other influential figures who have made an impact in the legal field in New York. She also recently accepted the Visionary of Justice Award at Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s 29th annual Law Leadership Awards Dinner.With over 25 years of dedicated service to PWJC, Kanusher has demonstrated unwavering commitment and exceptional leadership in advocating for victims and survivors of abuse as well as providing representation to the underrepresented. Throughout her career, Cindy has been instrumental in shaping PWJC's mission and vision. During her tenure, PWJC has grown into a highly respected, multi-faceted legal services and training center serving thousands of victims and survivors of interpersonal violence annually, providing invaluable legal assistance to those in need and tirelessly championing the cause of justice.

Watch the Press Conference