Proposal Follows Tragic Local Murder That Left a Mother and Son Seeking Safe Housing Options
Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) held a press conference today at Somers Town Hall to highlight the urgent need for bill A.7026, his legislation to ensure safe housing transfers for domestic violence survivors. The bill would grant survivors the right to request an emergency relocation to another unit owned by the same landlord or public housing authority. This measure aims to enhance housing stability, prioritize victim safety and prevent retaliation.
In October of 2024, 15-year-old Michael Raimondi was murdered in his home by his mother’s boyfriend. Michael’s mother, Christina, and his brother were also shot that night. Christina sought to relocate, with her landlord willing to accommodate the move. However, current laws made it impossible, forcing her to terminate the lease and move in with family. The Raimondi family joined Slater, Town of Somers Supervisor Rob Scorrano and Piaget Solpiaget, executive director of the Putnam/Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center, at the press conference.
“What Christina and her family have endured is unimaginable, and the fact that bureaucratic laws forced them to choose between their safety and their home is unacceptable,” said Slater. “No survivor should ever face such obstacles when trying to escape a dangerous situation. This legislation is about common sense—if a landlord is willing to help a survivor move to a safer unit, there should be no laws standing in the way. We owe it to families like Christina’s to make this right and ensure no one else is put in such a heartbreaking position.”
Scorrano said, “This legislation is a crucial step forward in protecting vulnerable members of our community, including right here in Somers, where we have witnessed the devastating consequences of domestic violence. For many survivors, leaving abuse means starting over at the back of a line. Reentering the housing lottery could take months or even years. No one should be forced to relive their worst nightmare just to keep a roof over their head. Yet, this is exactly what happens under the current system. This bill removes barriers that prevent survivors from leaving dangerous situations, ensures the right to relocate, protects survivors from retaliation and ensures survivors can stay close to their jobs, school districts and support systems. This bill is about justice, safety and dignity. To the survivors out there: know that you are not alone. We stand with you, and we will continue to fight for your right to a safe and stable home.
Solpiaget said, “Every year, thousands of individuals, primarily women and children, are forced to make an unthinkable choice—stay in an abusive relationship or face homelessness. Domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness, yet for far too long, our housing systems have failed to adequately support those seeking safety and a fresh start. Today we change that with this legislation. When survivors have a safe place to go, they are more likely to escape abuse, find employment, receive necessary counseling and rebuild their lives. Stability in housing allows children to stay in schools without fear, families to heal and individuals to reclaim their futures. Today, we offer hope. Hope is not a feeling; hope is an action, and together we are taking action one step further to make our communities safe.”
Christina Raimondi said, “This legislation is a wonderful opportunity for future victims because unfortunately, with domestic violence, there’s no end in sight—it’s a big problem that we face. This legislation is a big help to victims like me and is a great opportunity to help everybody. Thank you for allowing me to be here today, sharing this experience with everybody, and reminding everybody that we have to be kind to one another. Keeping that stability for myself and for my son is very important.”
Putnam County Sheriff Kevin McConville said, “This bill serves to right a lot of wrongs, and the leadership of Assemblyman Slater is indicative of that effort, and we urge everyone to get behind this and support it. There’s an old saying: don’t victimize a victim twice. That’s what’s currently happening at this moment. This bill fixes that.”
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