1. Victim and Witness Rights
- New York Office of Victim Services
Offers compensation for victims of crime, access to local advocacy programs, and guidance on crime victim rights. - New York Attorney General – Crime Victims Assistance Bureau
Provides support to help victims navigate the criminal justice process and connect with local services.
2. Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid Programs
- LawHelpNY
Comprehensive statewide portal for legal information, court forms, and free legal service referrals related to stalking, harassment, and protective orders. - Empire Justice Center
Provides free legal representation for low-income New Yorkers, especially in domestic violence and cyber harassment cases.
3. Relevant Laws
- Stalking: NY Penal Law §§ 120.45 – 120.60
What it means: Covers a range of stalking offenses, including repeated following, surveillance, threats, or electronic contact that causes fear or emotional harm. - Harassment: NY Penal Law §§ 240.25 – 240.30
What it means: Includes repeated communications or actions intended to annoy, threaten, or alarm another person. Harassment can occur through phone, text, email, or social media. - Bullying: No adult criminal statute. Covered under NY Education Law § 13 (Dignity for All Students Act)
What it means: Schools must maintain anti-bullying policies and report incidents of verbal, physical, or cyberbullying. Applies to all K-12 schools statewide. - Defamation: Civil tort, not criminal. Based on New York common law and case law.
What it means: Individuals may bring lawsuits for libel or slander if false statements have caused reputational or financial damage. New York does not have criminal defamation statutes.
4. Reporting and Hotlines
- Dial 911 for emergencies or when personal safety is at risk.
- Non-emergency incidents can be reported to local police departments or family court offices.
- New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV)
Provides resources, shelter access, legal advocacy, and statewide policy enforcement. - Statewide Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline: 1-800-942-6906
24/7 confidential hotline for support, safety planning, and referrals.
5. Support Organizations
- New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NYSCADV)
Coordinates services for survivors, including legal help, housing, and prevention education programs. - Sanctuary for Families
Offers trauma-informed legal, housing, and counseling services for victims in New York City and beyond.
6. Civil Remedies and Protection Orders
New York residents can petition for Orders of Protection through criminal or family court. These may restrict contact, communication, or proximity. Both temporary and long-term protections are available. Legal aid programs and domestic violence advocates can assist with filing and court appearances.
Important Note on Jurisdiction: If the individual you are seeking a restraining order against lives in a different state, your local court may not have jurisdiction to enforce that order. In most cases, you must file for protection in the state where that individual resides or where the conduct occurred. This applies even in situations involving online harassment, defamation, or stalking. Contact legal aid services in both your state and the other person’s state for guidance.
7. Youth and School Resources
- New York State Education Department – Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)
Offers guidance on bullying prevention policies, student protections, and incident reporting protocols.
8. Court Forms and Filing Help
- New York Courts – Domestic Violence Help
Provides forms, filing instructions, and contact information for legal assistance and protection order support.
9. Online Safety and Privacy Tools
- NNEDV Tech Safety Toolkit
Tools for protecting your digital identity, managing online safety, and responding to technology-based abuse.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
