This bill amends New Jersey's domestic violence laws to enhance support for victims and their minor children, particularly those who have witnessed or been present during incidents of domestic violence. It introduces provisions requiring the court to inform both the victim and the abuser about available counseling programs for affected children. Additionally, the bill mandates psychological or psychiatric evaluations for defendants and counseling for minor children involved in such cases. It emphasizes the need for courts to consider the potential risk of harm to children when determining parenting time orders, ensuring that appropriate investigations or evaluations are conducted.

Moreover, the bill expands the relief options available to victims by allowing courts to issue orders for psychological evaluations and counseling for children, which were not explicitly required under current law. It also addresses the confidentiality of information regarding firearms accessible to defendants and ensures that victims receive timely assistance from law enforcement. Overall, the bill aims to create a more comprehensive legal framework for addressing domestic violence, with a particular focus on the well-being and safety of children affected by these incidents.

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