ALBANY, N.Y. -- A new Domestic Violence Task Force has been created by Democrats in the New York State Senate.

They're looking for tougher laws addressing those who batter family members, loved ones and kids. They also want uniformity in the way domestic violence cases are handled.

"We are committed to making sure that anyone who engages in acts of violence, when it comes to domestic violence in particular, that we will make sure that they are dealt with swiftly and punished to the full extent of the law',' Malcolm Smith said.

The Department of Criminal Justice Services says up to 450,000 domestic violence cases were reported in New York State between 2001 and 2005. A federal study showed that more than half of all domestic violence cases go unreported.