7 new laws boost protection for sexual assault victims in N.J.
Among the new laws are measures to set up a three-year pilot program in the office of the attorney general that aims to repair the harm caused by sexual assault.
New Jersey Statehouse in Trenton. (Emma Lee/WHYY)
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday signed into law seven bills aimed at strengthening protections for sexual assault victims.
Among the new laws are measures to set up a three-year pilot program in the office of the attorney general that aims to repair the harm caused by sexual assault.
Murphy, a Democrat, called the changes long overdue and said he was “proud to sign these bills into law.”
Related Content
Philly’s rape crisis center marks 20th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month
At a virtual forum, WOAR-Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence noted the continuing need to support victims and reduce incidents of assault.
4 years ago
The state police and local police departments must name sexual assault liaison officers under another new law.
Among the other changes is a requirement that law enforcement provide victims of sexual assault with an initial incident report and the chance to review the report and offer corrections. County prosecutors’ offices or any law enforcement agency is also now required to offer victims information on the criminal justice process as well as medical, counseling and mental health services available to them and a phone number to get updates on the case.
Under three other new laws, victims have the right to be told of a prosecutor’s charging decision in sexual assault cases, the state attorney general’s office must issue annual reports on sexual assault cases and prosecutors must undergo sexual assault training.
Never miss a moment with the WHYY Listen App!
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
N.J. Gov. Phil Murphy discusses impact of Harris-Walz campaign on the Garden State
Murphy will attend his third in-person convention; says Democrats in the state are excited about the Harris-Walz ticket.
3 months ago
Listen 5:56
New Jersey governor’s former chief of staff to replace Menendez, but only until November election
Menendez, 70, was convicted of charges that he sold the power of his office to three New Jersey businessmen who sought a variety of favors.
3 months ago
After poor debate performance, Pres. Biden appeals to donors at N.J. Gov. Murphy’s home
On Saturday, Biden told attendees at Gov. Phil Murphy's Red Bank, New Jersey home that he didn’t have a great debate night, “but I’m going to be fighting harder.”
5 months ago