Assemblyman Inganamort prioritizes bills safeguarding children following outreach to DV, child advocacy centers
NEW JERSEY – Working with local advocates for child protection and domestic violence survivors, Assemblyman Michael Inganamort is making children’s safety a legislative priority this fall.
Inganamort wants to expand New Jersey’s laws on domestic violence and human trafficking to be more inclusive of minor victims.
“Children who grow up in homes with domestic violence are victims of trauma themselves. The effects stay with children well into adulthood. These children deserve help, too, but our current statutes don’t guarantee that they will be connected to vital services. It’s time we change that,” Inganamort (R-Morris) said.
The bill (A2998) requires domestic violence victims and abusers to receive information on programs and services for children who may have heard or been present during an act of domestic violence. It also allows a court to require those children receive counseling in certain cases.
Inganamort discussed the legislation during site visits to Ginnie’s House, an advocacy center for children experiencing abuse in Sussex County; Deirdre’s House, a child advocacy center in Morris County; JBWS, a nonprofit serving victims of domestic violence in Morris County; and the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Warren County.
“Ginnie’s House appreciates working with community leaders who are just as passionate about our mission to protect children as we are. We always hope that one day our services will no longer be needed and prevention efforts and partnerships like this help to further that dream,” said Belle Ward, the organization’s prevention education coordinator.
“My goal is to assist these local coalitions in achieving their noble missions by ensuring state laws meet the needs of children who are impacted by violence and abuse. New Jersey can and should be doing more to aid these organizations and protect our most vulnerable residents,” Inganamort said.
The assemblyman has also introduced the Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Prevention Act (A3819), which requires manufacturers or sellers of internet-enabled devices to digitally block dangerous content, especially escort sites and trafficking portals, or be fined tens of thousands of dollars. In addition, he introduced a bill (A198) in January to impose longer prison sentences and higher fines on those who profit from human trafficking.
“Meeting with advocates in the communities I serve has given me a better perspective on not only the immediate dangers children face, but also the long-term emotional turmoil that comes with living in an environment without the proper safety nets. Expanding protections for New Jersey’s children will give these nonprofit advocates the tools they need to break the cycle of violence, form healthy relationships and thrive,” Inganamort said.
