"New York State took a major step forward in the fight against domestic violence. I commend the Legislature for passing the Strangulation Prevention Act of 2010 and the New York City Council for its resolution in support of this important bill. Strangulation is very common in domestic violence cases but unless it leaves evidence of serious physical injury it is not treated as a crime. This new law closes the loophole that allowed too many perpetrators to avoid serious charges in domestic abuse cases by making strangulation a felony. This is a critical step in our efforts to reduce domestic violence and make New York's communities safer."