Key Highlights of the Matsikoudis Bill
Enhanced Legal Support: The law broadens the availability of legal resources and assistance for domestic violence survivors navigating the complex legal system.
Improved Access to Protective Measures: It ensures that survivors can more easily obtain protective orders, providing a critical layer of security against abusers.
Stronger Penalties for Offenders: This legislation increases penalties for offenders, sending a clear message that New Jersey is committed to holding perpetrators accountable.
How This Law Impacts Domestic Violence Survivors
At Partners, we recognize the importance of this legislation in empowering survivors to seek justice and safety. As a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free legal assistance to low-income victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, we understand the challenges survivors face in accessing legal protection and support. This law will significantly bolster our efforts to help survivors achieve safety and justice.
The Matsikoudis Bill requires that victims of sexual assault be notified of certain developments concerning the evidence in their respective cases. This legislation expands New Jersey’s existing Sexual Assault Victim’s Bill of Rights, ensuring survivors are granted the updates to which they are entitled.
The following developments in sexual assault investigations are now explicitly required to be shared with the victim:
1. If a DNA profile of an assailant was obtained during the processing of evidence
2. If a DNA profile of an assailant has been entered into a data bank used for the retention or comparison of case evidence
3. If there is a match between the DNA profile of an assailant and another DNA profile in any data bank used for the retention or comparison of case evidence
4. If sexual assault evidence is submitted to a forensic laboratory, if that evidence is compared against any data bank, and the results of the comparison
At the request of the victim, the law enforcement agency responsible for the sexual assault investigation must provide updates on the status of all evidence collected. Another individual may be designated by the victim to receive the same information regarding any advancements in the case.
Our Commitment to Helping Survivors
We are committed to ensuring that all domestic violence survivors have access to the legal resources they need. Our team of dedicated attorneys and advocates is here to provide guidance, support, and representation to those in need.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence or sexual assault, please reach out to us for assistance. You do not have to navigate this journey alone—help is available.
About Partners: Our Mission
Partners, formally Partners for Women and Justice, is a non-profit public interest law firm committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of domestic violence and sexual assault victims. We have been dedicated to providing legal representation, advice, and counseling sessions to those in need. Our mission extends beyond gender boundaries, as we proudly serve women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
You can provide victims with a path to safety and relief by donating to Partners. With your support, we can help them emerge from abuse stronger, braver, safer, and empowered.
Click here to learn more about Partners and our mission to support victims of domestic violence and sexual assualt.
