This bill establishes new standards for court-ordered counseling programs for domestic violence offenders in New Jersey. It mandates that any counseling program, as ordered by the court, must facilitate offender accountability and include specific components such as risk assessments that identify dynamics of domestic violence, education on power and control tactics, a protocol for documenting attendance, and regular compliance reviews by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families. These requirements aim to enhance the effectiveness of counseling programs and ensure that they address the complexities of domestic violence.

The bill also clarifies that defendants must provide documentation of their attendance in these counseling programs, which is a continuation of current law. However, it emphasizes the need for structured components that support accountability and compliance, thereby strengthening the overall approach to handling domestic violence cases. This legislation aligns with the recommendations from the June 2023 report of the Reconvened Joint Committee on Criminal Justice, aiming to improve the judicial response to domestic violence offenders.