New Jersey considers tougher penalties for domestic violence
Andrea Strony testifies at Assembly Judiciary Committee hearing (Phil Gregory/WHYY)
Legislation advanced by a New Jersey Assembly Committee would increase the penalties for domestic violence-related assaults.
27-year-old Andrea Strony told lawmakers she was attacked by a boyfriend three years ago at her parents’ shore house in Brigantine.
“He shoved me into the bedroom closet, repeatedly kicking me, closed fist punched me, attempted to choke me by pinning me against the slanted ceiling, all while saying some of the most horrific things I dare not repeat.”
Strony said the boyfriend claimed she scratched him and filed an assault charge against her.
She’s upset that a fine was his only penalty.
“After what occurred during the assault and the stress I’ve heard afterwards, I felt responsible to other victims both male and female to make sure their assailants can’t get away with an attack like I felt mine had.”
The legislation calls for imprisonment up to five years for causing serious bodily injury while showing extreme indifference to the value of human life.
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