This bill amends New Jersey's domestic violence laws to enhance protections for children who have witnessed or been present during incidents of domestic violence. It introduces provisions requiring the court to inform both victims and abusers about available counseling programs for affected minor children. Additionally, the bill mandates that the court assist victims in filing complaints and ensure that necessary forms are accessible. It also emphasizes the confidentiality of information regarding firearms accessible to the defendant, while allowing for disclosure to law enforcement when necessary. The bill outlines procedures for obtaining emergency, ex parte relief, including temporary restraining orders, and establishes that these orders will be effective statewide and enforced by all law enforcement officers.

Moreover, the bill requires psychological or psychiatric evaluations for defendants and mandates counseling for minor children present during domestic violence incidents. It allows custodial parents who have experienced domestic violence to request investigations or evaluations to assess potential risks to their children before establishing parenting time orders. By expanding the range of relief options available to the court, including psychological evaluations and counseling for children, the bill aims to strengthen the legal framework for addressing domestic violence and its impact on families, ensuring the safety and well-being of children is prioritized.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:25-28, 2C:25-29