Angelini Legislation Would Strengthen Domestic Violence Law
Measure Would Require Those Convicted of Attempted Murder to Pay into Domestic Violence Fund

Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini is sponsoring legislation that would close a loophole in New Jersey law that omits attempted murder as an offense that would require defendants to pay into a fund that supports programs for victims of domestic violence.

The bill was introduced in response to a recent court ruling that held that the $100 domestic violence surcharge for persons convicted of an act of domestic violence did not apply to the defendant who was convicted of attempted murder because attempted murder is not included in the specified crimes and offenses.

“This measure closes a loophole in the law that needed to be addressed immediately,” said Angelini. “Domestic violence crimes are especially heinous and make it difficult for the victim to recover. It is absolutely necessary that attempted murder be included in the definition of this law to validate that this extremely violent act most certainly warrants requiring offenders to pay into the domestic violence fund.”

The bill, A-2303, would clarify the intent of the Legislature that the attempt or conspiracy to commit certain offenses may constitute acts of domestic violence and that defendants convicted of attempted murder be charged the $100 domestic violence surcharge. The domestic violence surcharge is given to the Department of Human Services to fund grants for domestic violence prevention, training and assessment.

“By extending the definition of the current domestic violence law, this legislation will ensure that all cases of domestic violence result in the defendants being forced to help fund programs aimed at ending this vicious cycle,” said Angelini. “I am also hopeful that this measure will help to shed light on this situation to help prevent future instances and encourage victims to get help.”

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, an estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year. However, most cases of domestic violence are never reported to the police.

###