This bill amends the definition of "domestic violence" under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991 to include two new forms of abuse: psychological abuse and economic abuse. Specifically, it adds provisions that classify psychological abuse as any offense that causes fear, serious alarm, or distress with a significant negative impact on a person's daily activities. Additionally, economic abuse is defined as behaviors that adversely affect a person's ability to acquire, use, or maintain money or property, or to obtain goods and services.

The bill aims to broaden the scope of what constitutes domestic violence, thereby providing greater protection for victims who may experience non-physical forms of abuse. The changes will take effect immediately upon enactment, reflecting a legislative intent to address the evolving understanding of domestic violence in contemporary society.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:25-19