New Bill Proposes Expanded Domestic Violence Protections for Minors
TRENTON, NJ – A significant legislative proposal seeks to broaden the scope of protections under New Jersey’s domestic violence statutes to include minors aged 16 and older. This move aims to fill the existing legal gap where protections were previously limited to individuals who are 18 and older, emancipated minors, or those in specific relational circumstances with the defendant.
Currently, the issuance of a domestic violence restraining order is contingent upon the victim meeting specific criteria related to age, emancipation status, and relationship with the defendant. Similarly, defendants subject to such orders must either be 18 or older or an emancipated minor.
The proposed bill introduces a pivotal change, allowing victims as young as 16 to apply for a domestic violence restraining order. Likewise, defendants of the same age bracket could also be subjected to these orders. This expansion recognizes the reality of domestic violence among younger individuals and aims to provide them with necessary legal protections.