This bill amends existing laws regarding domestic violence training for judges and law enforcement officers in New Jersey by incorporating training on coercive control. Specifically, it mandates that the training curriculum developed by the Division of Criminal Justice and the Administrative Director of the Courts include recognition of the indicators of coercive control, which is defined in current law. The bill emphasizes the importance of understanding the dynamics of domestic violence, the impact on children, and trauma-informed assessments, among other critical topics.

Additionally, the bill requires that all judges and judicial personnel involved in domestic violence cases receive initial training within 90 days of their appointment or transfer, as well as annual in-service training. The Attorney General and the Administrative Director of the Courts are tasked with ensuring that the training curriculum is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the latest information and best practices in handling domestic violence cases. This legislative change aims to enhance the effectiveness of the judicial and law enforcement response to domestic violence by equipping professionals with a deeper understanding of coercive control and its implications.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:25-20