The fatal shooting of a South Jersey mother has prompted renewed efforts to strengthen domestic violence protections in New Jersey. Assemblywoman Shanique Speight recently introduced a package of seven bills aimed at improving victim safety, expanding support services, strengthening law enforcement coordination, and increasing accountability for offenders.
Speight cited the March death of a Gloucester County mother of four, Tomeka Kamwani, allegedly killed by her former fiancé, who also took his own life, as a tragic reminder of the need for stronger protections. She noted that recent domestic violence fatalities have underscored the urgent need for additional safeguards for victims.
The proposed legislation includes measures that:
- A5400 – High-Risk Domestic Violence Response Program: Establish county-based rapid response teams and require specialized law enforcement training to better respond to high-risk domestic violence situations.
- A5403 – Domestic Violence Housing Voucher Program: Create a Department of Community Affairs’ housing voucher and navigation program to help survivors secure safe and stable housing.
- A5398 – Faster Access to Essential Information: Give law enforcement immediate access to the state’s electronic domestic violence central registry to improve response times and victim protection.
- A5401 – Domestic Violence Screening & Bystander Training: Require hospitals to implement domestic violence screening and training programs for healthcare professionals and certain staff, with ongoing oversight by the Department of Health.
- A5399 – Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) System: Expand and formally establish victim notification requirements to help survivors stay informed about offenders’ custody status and related developments.
- A5402 – Integrated Domestic Violence Court: Establish integrated domestic violence courts statewide to consolidate related family, criminal, and domestic violence matters while improving survivor safety and offender accountability.
- A5414 – Increased Penalties: Increase penalties for certain domestic violence offenses, direct collected penalties to the Domestic Violence Victims’ Fund, expand victim services, and provide additional unpaid employment leave for survivors to seek medical care, legal assistance, counseling, relocation, and other safety-related services.
Speight said that while New Jersey has made significant investments in programs that support survivors and strengthen the state’s response to domestic violence, additional action is needed to ensure survivors have access to the protection, resources, and services necessary to remain safe.
If you are considering divorce or have another family law matter, Diamond & Diamond, P.A. provides sound guidance and support. Call 973-379-9292 or contact us online. The initial divorce consultation is free. With an office located in Short Hills, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout the state.