Bill S1861 seeks to establish a comprehensive sexual assault prevention and response program within the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. This initiative is prompted by the ongoing issue of sexual assault within military ranks, despite previous efforts to combat this problem. The legislation aims to facilitate better reporting and acknowledgment of incidents of sexual assault, thereby increasing the likelihood of convictions against perpetrators. The Adjutant General will appoint a sexual assault prevention coordinator to oversee this program and provide much-needed advocacy services for victims.
The newly created coordinator role is central to the bill, allowing an individual to independently provide support to victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment who are service members. This will include facilitating confidential complaint processes, helping victims understand their reporting options, and informing them about their eligibility for assistance from the Victims of Crime Compensation Office. Notably, the coordinator can file protective orders on behalf of victims, either at the state level or with military authorities.
The program is set to encompass complaints filed for instances of sexual assault or harassment between service members, irrespective of their duty status at the time of the alleged acts. Victims will have autonomy in managing their complaints, as they can transition from a confidential to a formal complaint at any stage, aligning the process with their comfort and autonomy.
Additionally, the bill mandates the submission of an annual report to the New Jersey Legislature, detailing the program's activities and operations, thereby ensuring transparency and accountability. This report is expected to assess the effectiveness of the program, its policies, and address any deficiencies in existing sexual assault prevention training. Such measures are geared toward reinforcing the Department's commitment to tackle sexual assault effectively,
reflecting the necessity of this new framework to address the complexities of sexual assault in military settings.