This bill amends the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991 to explicitly include elder abuse within its scope, recognizing that elderly individuals in domestic settings are vulnerable to various forms of abuse, including emotional, psychological, and physical violence. The bill updates the findings and declarations of the act to emphasize the risks faced by elderly and disabled individuals who may depend on family members or others for support, thereby addressing the need for equal protection under the law for these groups alongside spouses and children.

Additionally, the bill revises the definition of "victim of domestic violence" to specifically include elderly individuals who are not institutionalized, ensuring that they receive the same protections as other victims of domestic violence. The language changes include the removal of the term "domestic" from the context of violence against the elderly, thereby broadening the understanding of abuse in domestic settings. This legislative update aims to enhance the legal framework for protecting vulnerable populations from domestic violence.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:25-18, 2C:25-19