| Releases
& Statements
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
October 19, 2009
Contact: Matt Mittenthal
212-669-4691; 917-597-4485
Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum said, "Whether an abuser is convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony, domestic violence of any sort is intolerable. State Senator Hiram Monserrate assaulted his partner and allowing him to keep his Senate seat sends a disturbing message that he has not done anything wrong. He has, in fact, done something wrong--something for which he should have resigned immediately. Since he refuses to resign, the Senate should act swiftly to remove him from his seat. Anything short of that could indicate that the Senate condones violent behavior. Doing and saying nothing perpetuates the stigma and fear that victims of abuse face, and doing and saying nothing validates the behavior and actions of abusers. Instead, we need to speak out to prevent violence and work to ensure that abusers face adequate punishment for violent and damaging acts.”
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