October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and lawmakers in New York City rallied on Thursday to push legislation they say would expand orders of protection in cases of domestic violence.   

A press conference took place in Crown Heights, where legislators from both sides of the aisle were calling for the passage of Melanie’s Law.  

The law is named after Melanie Chianese, a 29-year-old mother who was murdered in 2022 by her mother’s ex-boyfriend after a pattern of stalking and harassment.  

The judge granted an order of protection to her mother due to these patterns, but Melanie was not granted one because she was not a minor.  

Lawmakers and local organizations like Neighbors In Action say they want to avoid what happened to Melanie and that this legislation would implement a lifesaving policy.  

“Our goal through this legislation is to ensure no mother, no daughter, no one’s parents, siblings or whoever it may be is in a situation like this again,” said Assembly member Anil Beephan Jr.  

In order for the bill to be signed into law, it must pass in the Assembly. It has already passed in the state Senate.