New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman Steps Down After Four Women Report Domestic Abuse

May 8, 2018

Earlier today, Eric Schneiderman announced that he would resign his post as New York Attorney General after four women with whom he had been romantically involved reported that he had physically assaulted them.

Schneiderman had been praised by women’s rights advocates for his advocacy on behalf of domestic violence and sexual assault survivors and his support of the MeToo movement. In 2009 as State Senator, he was appointed Chair of the special committee to investigate colleague and former Senator Hiram Monserrate, who was expelled from the Senate and later convicted of assaulting his girlfriend. More recently, he spoke out against Harvey Weinstein, the film producer accused of multiple counts of rape and sexual harassment. Schneiderman denied the allegations but said that they would prevent him from being effective as attorney general.

“Advocates working to end domestic and sexual violence know that there are no exceptions for those who hide violent acts behind closed doors,” said Kim Gandy, president and CEO of the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV).

“The women who reported these acts describe physical and psychological control that is irreconcilable with his claim that all interactions were consensual. I’m grateful that these brave women came forward, and that they were heard and believed. It is encouraging that these allegations are being taken seriously,” said Gandy.