This bill amends the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991 to explicitly include elder abuse within its scope, recognizing that elderly individuals can be victims of various forms of domestic violence, including emotional, psychological, and physical abuse. The updated findings and declarations emphasize the vulnerability of the elderly and disabled in domestic settings, particularly when they rely on family members or others for support. The bill aims to ensure that such abuse is addressed on par with violence against spouses and children, reinforcing the legislative intent to protect all victims of domestic violence.

Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of "victim of domestic violence" to specifically include elderly individuals who are not institutionalized, thereby broadening the protections available under the act. The language changes include the removal of the term "domestic" from the context of violence against the elderly, and it clarifies that the act applies to various forms of abuse perpetrated by current or former household members. This legislative update seeks to enhance the legal framework for protecting vulnerable populations from domestic violence in New Jersey.

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