A 3809 New Jersey General Assembly · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Revises definition of domestic violence to include psychological abuse and economic abuse.

This bill expands New Jersey's legal definition of domestic violence to explicitly include psychological abuse and economic abuse. It adds two new categories to the existing definition: (1) psychological abuse that causes fear or distress impacting daily life, and (2) economic abuse that restricts a person's ability to access money, property, goods, or services. The change directly affects victims protected under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, broadening legal recourse for non-physical forms of control. The amendment applies to all individuals meeting the act's victim criteria, including those in dating relationships or with shared children.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
lower
2 primary · 1 co-sponsor

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