This bill amends New Jersey law concerning domestic violence by introducing several key provisions aimed at enhancing the protection of victims and their children. It allows courts to order counseling for children who have witnessed or been exposed to domestic violence, establishing a presumption that custody should be awarded to the victim in appropriate cases. The bill also mandates that both the victim and the abuser be informed of available counseling programs upon the filing of a domestic violence complaint. Additionally, it requires the immediate surrender of firearms owned by the defendant if a restraining order is issued, emphasizing the importance of safety for victims and children.

Moreover, the bill clarifies custody arrangements by stating that legal and physical custody of a minor child will be awarded to the non-abusive parent upon the issuance of a final restraining order, while ensuring that a denial of custody or visitation does not terminate parental rights. It allows for modifications to custody or parenting time by the non-custodial parent and ensures that victims are not required to be in the same room as the abuser during child support proceedings. The bill also holds the abusive party responsible for the costs of counseling for children and includes provisions for the supervision of personal belongings removal, psychiatric evaluations for defendants, and the prohibition of stalking or threatening behavior, thereby aiming to strengthen protections for victims and their families.

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