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 this updated training within 90 days of their appointment or transfer, along with annual in-service training. The Attorney General and the Administrative Director of the Courts are tasked with ensuring that the training curriculum is reviewed and modified as needed every two years to stay current with best practices and legal standards. This initiative aims to enhance the response to domestic violence cases and better protect victims by equipping legal professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:25-20