Governor Murphy Signs New Legislation Broadening Protective Order Accessibility

The new law expands the scope of protective orders in New Jersey, aiding victims of stalking and cyber-harassment irrespective of familial or dating relationships with the offenders.

Trenton, NJ – In an ongoing endeavor to support victims of abusive behavior, Governor Phil Murphy signed S-1517 today. This legislation broadens the access to protective orders for victims who might not qualify under domestic violence laws due to a lack of familial or dating relationship with the offender.

The bill notably amends the "Sexual Assault Survivor Protection Act of 2015" (SASPA), now renamed the "Victim's Assistance and Survivor Protection Act", with the aim of extending protections to all victims of abusive behavior. This includes expanding the qualifying acts for a protective order to incorporate stalking and cyber-harassment.

"After hearing the horrifying stories of victims, like Michele Albano’s daughter – who inspired this bill – our Administration recognized the need to expand access to protective orders beyond victims of domestic and sexual violence," said Governor Murphy. 

Murphy added that this law would provide much-needed relief to victims of different kinds of abuse who were previously unable to obtain protective orders.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin supported the bill's enactment, stating, "For too long, New Jersey didn’t give stalking victims the means to seek protection from strangers who meant them harm." 

Platkin lauded Governor Murphy's decision as a significant step towards improving legal protections for residents and demonstrating the state's commitment to ensuring safety.

Michele Albano, whose daughter's ordeal inspired the bill, expressed gratitude to Governor Murphy, Senator Jon Bramnick, and Assemblywomen Muñoz and Matsikoudis for supporting this legislation.

Senator Linda Greenstein highlighted the importance of the new law, stating that it would empower victims to take legal action, offering a crucial tool to protect themselves before a stalking situation escalates.

Echoing Senator Greenstein, Senator Jon Bramnick referred to the legislation as a "life-saving bill," and Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis emphasized the new law's significance in today's digital world where harassment can occur without physical contact.

Assemblyman Sterley Stanley reflected on the importance of supporting the most vulnerable, stating, “With this law, we can ensure individuals in our state are safe from abusers who previously were not closely enough related for the state to offer protections.”

The New Jersey State Bar Association, represented by Lisa Chapland, Esq., Senior Managing Director of Government Affairs, also expressed support for the legislation, indicating that it addresses a significant gap in the laws. The legislation provides protection for victims of stalking and cyber harassment, even when there is no relationship between the parties involved.

Ruth Anne Robbins, Professor of Law at Rutgers University, concluded the sentiments, saying the new law "carefully and compassionately fills a gap" in the state's protective order system, offering crucial protection to the people of New Jersey.