NJ Lawmakers Approve 6 Domestic Violence Bills
By Cleve Bryan
TRENTON, N.J., (CBS) -- With images of Ray Rice knocking out his then-fiancée fresh in their minds, New Jersey lawmakers passed a package of bills on Monday addressing domestic violence.
"We must end this violence, we must end the cycle of domestic violence," said Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera who brought chit chat on the Assembly floor to a sudden stop when she revealed her mother was the victim of domestic violence.
Mosquera (D – Camden County) says at an early age seeing her mother abused was traumatizing for her and her brothers, "we did spend some time in women's shelters so I knew there was something wrong."
Mosquera was among several bill sponsors to speak Monday before fellow lawmakers unanimously passed 6 domestic violence measures.
A-2163 would create a 16-member task force to review current law concerning domestic violence.
A-1310 mandates counseling for offenders who seek probation or sentence reductions.
A-1579 creates a self-defense justification for victims who fight back.
A-1953 requires police to check domestic violence registry for restraining orders upon arrest.
A-2154 permits victims to testify through video rather than face attacker in court.
A-2640 allows restraining orders against perpetrators with no demonstrable personal relationship.
Each bill must still pass the New Jersey State Senate.
During bill introductions and comment time there were several mentions by lawmakers to the Ray Rice arrest.
Mosquera says her next move is to introduce a bill that might prevent offenders like Rice from being eligible for pre-trial intervention.
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