Assembly Approves Barnes, Spencer, Vainieri Huttle & McKeon Bill Providing Relief for Victims of Gender Motivated Violence

(TRENTON) - Legislation sponsored by Assembly members Peter J. Barnes III, L. Grace Spencer, Valerie Vainieri Huttle and John F. McKeon that would provide an additional element of relief for women, and even men, who suffer at the hands of gender-motivated violence was approved 55-17-2 by the full Assembly on Monday.

"Gender-motivated violence is still a real and pervasive threat for women," said Barnes (D-Middlesex), chairman of the Assembly Judiciary Committee. "Victims may suffer for many years with the long-term ramifications of this violence, which are not always remedied by criminal prosecutions. This will provide an additional measure of relief for victims of these types of crimes."

The bill (A-746) would create a civil cause of action for gender-motivated violence, allowing victims to be awarded actual damages, damages for emotional distress or punitive damages, injunctive relief, or any other appropriate relief. Additionally, a plaintiff who prevails in an action under the bill shall be entitled to reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

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