Senate passes bill to protect crime victims

TRENTON — The Senate today approved a four-bill package sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman, Senator Brian Stack, Senator Shirley K. Turner and Senator Steve Oroho to strengthen crime victims’ rights laws in New Jersey. The passage of the legislation took place as the Senate marked the 25th Anniversary of enactment of the New Jersey Crime Victims’ Rights Amendment to the state Constitution, which cemented the right of crime victims to be treated fairly and their ability to be present at certain court proceedings.
“It is unconscionable to ask a survivor of domestic violence or sexual assault to recount a traumatic experience in front of their abuser, when we know that forcing them to testify this way can inflict lasting emotional distress,” said Senator Oroho. “It is my hope that allowing crime victims of any age to testify on closed circuit television will encourage more survivors to come forward and help us bring to justice the people who commit such violent and despicable acts.”
Overwhelmingly approved by 1.2 million voters on November 5, 1991, the Crime Victims’ Rights Amendment made New Jersey the eighth state to amend its constitution to provide justice for crime victims. In conjunction with the enactment of amendment, the New Jersey Crime Victims’ Law Center was established by Richard D. Pompelio Esq., an organization that has provided free legal assistance to more than 15,000 victims of violent crime. The Senate honored Mr. Pompelio today for his work.
The bills approved today address protections for victims and witnesses of sex crimes, allowing them — regardless of age — to testify in court proceedings via video if they meet certain conditions. They allow victims of sexual assault and the survivors of homicide victims to be present at certain post adjudication hearings to provide information to the court before a decision is made on matters such as relieving an offender from Megan’s Law registration requirements. In addition, they permit those who have a close relationship with a violent crime victim to make an in-person statement to the court at sentencing; establish housing and employment protections for crime victims; and provide witnesses and their families with relocation assistance.
“Facing a perpetrator in the courtroom can be an anguishing experience for victims and witnesses to violent crimes,” said Senator Turner. “By removing the age limit for testifying by video at court proceedings, we will better ensure that individuals are not revictimized by being forced into close proximity to an offender in the courtroom. This will also help to prevent those who have endured tragedies from having to suffer additional mental and emotional harm.”