Domestic Violence Trends in the Context of Bail Reform and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Statistics strongly suggest that the incidence of domestic violence has increased considerably during the pandemic — at the same time that the discretion of judges to detain or set bail has been reduced.

This two-part Domestic Violence Awareness Month program sponsored by the Third Judicial District Gender Fairness Committee will first discuss bail reform, the unintended impact on DV cases and possible legislative adjustments to the new law. The second part will examine the dynamics, pitfalls and future of DV cases during the pandemic era.

Speakers

Hon. Rachel Kretser, (Ret.), Chair, Gender Fairness Committee

Hon. Andra Ackerman, Albany County Judge

Ellen Schell, Esq., Counsel, NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence

Heather L. Dukes, Esq., Senior Attorney, Unity House Law Project

Hon. Richard Rivera, Albany County Family Court Judge and Supervising Judge of the Domestic Violence Courts

Jaya L. Connors, Professor of Law and Director of Family Violence Litigation Clinic at the Justice Center at Albany Law School