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Bills sponsored by Assembly Democrats address gaps in domestic violence laws and public awareness

(TRENTON) – The New Jersey General Assembly today advanced several bills designed to protect victims of domestic violence, while also raising awareness in communities.

“These bills are another way to support domestic violence victims, whether it's helping them regain control of their phones—an essential communication tool often manipulated by abusers— or making sure that individuals who violate final restraining orders face real consequences,” said Assemblywoman Ellen Park (D-Bergen), Chair of the Assembly Judiciary Committee, which advanced these bills earlier this month. “Legislation like this is crucial because it reassures the individuals that have experienced domestic violence that they are not alone, and that there is help and compassion within reach.”

The latest reports from 2020 reveal a 6% increase in domestic violence offenses from the previous year, with over 63,000 cases reported. Domestic violence is not an isolated crime – its impact ripple out beyond the immediate victim, touching the lives of many, particularly children living in households where the violence occurs.

The General Assembly passed the following bills:

A1389 (Haider/Park) would require the seizure of ammunition and certain firearm components in response to domestic violence restraining order or conviction. This bill is designed to address a critical gap in current laws, which only require law enforcement officers to seize firearms and weapons at the scene of a domestic violence incident. By adding a requirement of also surrendering ammunition and other certain firearms components when a domestic violence restraining order is in effect, the legislation aims to ensure that victims are protected from the risk of gun-related harm.

A3732 (Murphy) would establish third-degree crime for certain trespasses involving a victim of domestic violence. The legislation would increase penalties if a perpetrator violates a final restraining order and enters the victim’s home, making it clear that actions have severe consequences. Under the bill, the presumption would be that the individual entering the home illegally is intending to cause harm to the victim or intending to commit a crime.

A3734 (Murphy/Park/Atkins) would permit courts to order transfer of billing responsibility for, and rights to, a wireless telephone number to certain victims of domestic violence or stalking.

Phones are essential for victims of domestic violence to stay connected with their support networks and access help and this legislation would help ensure victims are able to reclaim their independence. By transferring the phone number to the victim’s name, the bill will help these individuals maintain contact with family, friends and support systems without the fear that the perpetrator can monitor their call logs, messages, or track their location.

A5426 (Katz/Lopez/Drulis) would require State domestic violence public awareness campaign to add information on coercive control; would require annual reporting on activities of campaign and expands range of languages.

The bill would raise awareness about the indicators of coercive control, a pattern of controlling behaviors like threats, humiliation, and intimidation that is often overlooked. Due to the silence surrounding domestic violence and coercive control, many victims may not even realize they are being abused, considering it as just a normal part of their lives. The campaign that would be created through this legislation aims to break down these barriers by providing clear information on the signs of coercive control in multiple languages, helping people recognize the abuse and seek the support they need.