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 updated language emphasizes the need to address elder abuse on par with domestic violence against spouses and children, thereby reinforcing the legislative intent to protect all victims of domestic violence, particularly those who may be dependent on family members or caregivers.

Additionally, the bill modifies 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 under the act. The changes aim to enhance the legal framework surrounding domestic violence to better safeguard the elderly and disabled, acknowledging their unique vulnerabilities in domestic environments.

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