TRENTON, N.J. — Legislation aimed at supporting children affected by domestic violence cleared a key hurdle Monday, unanimously passing the state Assembly.
The bill (A2998), sponsored by Assemblyman Michael Inganamort (R-Morris), seeks to provide trauma-informed support for minors exposed to violence in the home. The legislation was developed over the past year in collaboration with local child protection and domestic violence advocates.
“Domestic violence in a family affects everyone in that family,” Inganamort said in a statement. “This bill recognizes that point by equipping children with the tools they need to heal and build resiliency. It will make a real difference in the lives of young people.”
Under the bill, both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence would be required to receive information on available counseling services for children. The measure also establishes a presumption that the non-abusive parent will be granted custody if a final restraining order is issued. Additionally, courts would be authorized to mandate counseling for children who witness or experience violence at home.
Ginnie’s House, a child advocacy center in Sussex County that supported the bill, said children are often the hidden victims in domestic violence cases.
“It has been found by the resource center for domestic violence that in 30 to 60 percent of domestic violence cases, there has also been some kind of child maltreatment occurring as well,” said Belle Ward, the organization’s prevention education coordinator.
Supporters of the bill say it fills a critical gap in services for children living in unstable and abusive environments.
“We want to make sure that children who live in homes with domestic violence get the help they need to cope with it, to understand it, to become healthy functioning young adults and adults,” Inganamort said.
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
