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‘Sex Crime Victim Treatment Fund’ Measure Advances In Assembly Committee

Measure would provide treatment to victims at their attacker’s expense

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Fred H. Madden and John A. Girgenti that would create the “Sex Crime Victim Treatment Fund,” to help provide counseling for victims was approved today by the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee.

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 300,000 forcible rapes occur every year,” said Senator Madden, D-Camden and Gloucester. “There is no dollar amount that can possibly compensate victims for the trauma inflicted on them, but this Fund would allow them to receive counseling and other services to help them lead healthier and happier lives.”

The Senators’ measure, S-781, would impose fines on sex offenders that would be used to pay for counseling and treatment services for victims and their families. Persons convicted of sexual assault , criminal sexual contact, kidnapping or endangering the welfare of a child would be subject to fines of up to $1,000.

“By imposing fines, we are forcing sex offenders to be responsible for their actions,” said Senator Girgenti, D-Bergen and Passaic, who also chairs the Senate Law, Public Safety and Veteran’s Affairs Committee. “Imposing a $1,000 fine will not only send a message to offenders but will go to providing counseling and treatment for those who were harmed and their families.”

The Victims of Crime Compensation Board would be directed to distribute any funds collected.

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