The bill amends New Jersey law to enhance protections for victims of domestic violence and their children. It allows courts to order counseling for children who have witnessed domestic violence and establishes a presumption that custody should be awarded to the victim in appropriate cases. The bill mandates that both the victim and the abuser be informed of available programs and services, ensuring that victims can file complaints without delay and emphasizing confidentiality regarding firearms access. Additionally, it outlines procedures for emergency relief, including temporary restraining orders, to streamline the legal process for addressing domestic violence incidents.

Further provisions in the bill clarify custody and support arrangements in cases of domestic violence. It establishes 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 also ensuring that a denial of custody or visitation does not terminate parental rights or affect child support obligations. The bill allows for modifications to custody or parenting time by the non-custodial parent and mandates that victims are not required to be in the same room as the abuser during child support proceedings. It also permits the court to order the abusive party to pay for domestic violence counseling for the child, thereby aiming to create a more supportive environment for victims and their children.

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