New City, NY – The Rockland County Legislature unanimously approved a new law on October 20, 2026, establishing a program to provide free home security improvements to eligible survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. The program will help residents obtain replacement door locks, exterior security cameras and other approved protective measures without having to cover the installation costs.
The legislation establishes the Domestic Violence Victims Housing Security Aid Program, which will be administered by the Rockland County Department of Social Services in cooperation with selected community-based organizations.
Under the law, eligible households can receive security improvements within seven days of their eligibility determination, whenever practicable. The program is intended to help survivors who remain in their residences but face potential safety concerns involving current or former abusers.
To qualify, a household must include a survivor of domestic or gender-based violence who resides in Rockland County. Individuals may establish their eligibility through self-identification, documentation from a government agency or community organization, or a court order.
The law also includes protections to ensure that changing locks does not unlawfully prevent a person with a legal right to occupy the property from entering the residence.
County Legislator Beth Davidson introduced the measure, which received support from both Democratic and Republican members of the Legislature. Chairman Jay Hood Jr. and Legislator Dana Stilley were among its principal supporters.
Additional sponsors and cosponsors included Legislators Paul Cleary, Jesse Malowitz, Alden Wolfe, Aney Paul, Thomas Diviny, Will Kennelly, Philip Soskin, Douglas Jobson and Toney Earl.
The measure passed following a public hearing at the Legislature’s October 20 meeting, during which representatives of community organizations, including the Center for Safety & Change and People to People, addressed lawmakers.
According to reporting by The Journal News, eight women have been killed in domestic violence incidents in Rockland County since 2023. The county has also experienced several cases involving domestic violence fatalities in recent years, including at least two in Davidson’s legislative district since 2024, according to county lawmakers.
Rockland’s legislation follows similar programs established in New York City and Westchester County.
Westchester’s Safety Measures for Survivors of Domestic Violence Act took effect in January 2025 and provides free replacement locks and video doorbells to eligible survivors. According to Westchester officials cited by The Journal News, that program has resulted in the installation of 60 cameras and the replacement of 28 locks.
Davidson said the Rockland legislation is intended to remove financial barriers that can prevent survivors from improving security at their homes.
“Simply put, we never want cost to be a barrier to a woman’s or family’s safety,” Davidson said.
County Executive Ed Day, who supported the measure, cited his previous experience in law enforcement and the importance of providing assistance to domestic violence survivors.
Department of Social Services Commissioner Patrick Frawley also expressed support, stating that his department works regularly with families experiencing crises and is prepared to coordinate the new program.
Elizabeth Santiago, CEO of the Center for Safety & Change, said providing access to replacement locks and security cameras could offer survivors additional protection against an abuser.
People to People CEO Sharron Mellis also supported the measure during the public hearing. Mellis discussed how individuals who leave unsafe homes may subsequently require assistance from community organizations, including food pantries.
Joseph Barca, who oversees domestic violence prosecutions within the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, also addressed legislators. He explained that survivors sometimes leave their residences because an abuser continues to have access to the property.
The legislation requires the Department of Social Services to conduct outreach through domestic violence shelters, courts, law enforcement agencies and community organizations to inform eligible residents about the assistance available.
The law takes effect upon filing with the New York Secretary of State. Applications will open on a date established by the Department of Social Services commissioner. As of October 21, no application opening date or specific program funding allocation has been confirmed in the information reviewed.
Residents experiencing domestic violence can contact the Center for Safety & Change’s 24-hour hotline at (845) 634-3344. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233..