Fred H. Madden Jr

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Fred H. Madden and Ellen Karcher that would create the “New Jersey Security and Financial Empowerment Act” to benefit domestic and sexual violence survivors was approved today by the Senate Labor Committee.

“Acts of domestic and sexual violence are intimate attacks that affect every aspect of a victim’s life. Their attackers often prey on a victim’s financial dependence and use it as a means of escaping punishment or committing additional attacks,” said Senator Madden, D-Camden and Gloucester. “This bill would break the cycle of dependence that is unique to domestic and sexual violence by providing victims with the means for getting out of a violent situation without losing their job altogether.”

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Fred H. Madden that would prevent pet cemetery owners from assessing maintenance fees retroactively has been approved by the Senate.

“Pet owners have the right to expect a level of finality when making decisions regarding the death of a family pet,” said Senator Madden, D-Camden and Gloucester. “This bill will ensure that grieving pet lovers will not fact the burden of future claims for payments due to changes to ownership of a pet cemetery or other company decisions.”

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Ellen Karcher and Fred H. Madden that would permit New Jersey to uphold domestic violence restraining orders granted in other states was approved today by the Senate.

“The fear that domestic violence survivors live with everyday – a fear that it could happen again – knows no boundaries,” said Senator Karcher, D-Monmouth and Mercer. “However, under our current system, a domestic violence restraining order is only enforced in the state it was issued. We need to provide a continuous shield of protection for the victims of domestic violence, and we must uphold restraining orders issued in other states to accomplish that goal.”

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Fred H. Madden that would provide training for safe schools resource officers and public school employees serving as liaisons to law enforcement has been approved by the Senate Education Committee.

“According to State Education officials, violence has decreased in our schools in recent years,” said Senator Madden, D-Camden and Gloucester. “This decrease can be partly attributed to the presence of safe school officers and police presence in or near our schools. By providing additional training, these officers will be able to help further reduce violence and help make schools safer for our children.”

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Fred H. Madden and John A. Girgenti creating the “Sex Crime Victim Treatment Fund,” to help fund victim counseling was signed into law today by Governor Richard J. Codey.

“The traumatic psychological damage caused by a sexual assault can haunt victims for years,” said Senator Madden, D-Camden and Gloucester. “This measure helps cover the cost of treatment for victims and supports them through their repair cycle.”