NJRC Unveils Landmark Women’s Project Report Calling for Survivors Justice Act at Trenton Press Conference
NJRC urges NJ to adopt a Survivors Justice Act to protect and support criminalized survivors of abuse.
TRENTON, NJ — Today, the New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC) hosted a powerful and emotionally charged press conference at the New Jersey State House to unveil its new report, “Sentencing Reform for Criminalized Survivors of Abuse in New Jersey.” Chaired by Jim McGreevey, the event brought together legal experts, advocates, and survivors to push for legislative change through the passage of a Survivors Justice Act (SJA).
The proposed SJA would give judges the authority to consider a history of abuse as a mitigating factor during sentencing and resentencing. The legislation is designed to provide relief to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and familial abuse who were criminalized for actions rooted in their trauma.
Survivors Dawn Jackson and Kalimah Toon, a 911 dispatcher, delivered compelling personal testimonies that highlighted the urgent need for reform. Their stories underscored how current sentencing laws fail to account for the devastating impact of abuse on women’s lives.
Larry Lustberg, Esq., NJRC Board Member, explained how similar legislation has already been enacted in states like New York, Illinois, and Oklahoma, offering survivors alternative, non-carceral sentencing options.
Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin (NJ-29) emphasized the moral and legal imperative for New Jersey to adopt the SJA and ensure justice for those trapped not only by their abusers, but also by the criminal justice system.
Courtne Fulcher, NJRC Research Associate, provided a detailed overview of the legislative history behind SJAs and how New Jersey can align itself with national reform efforts.
This report and the call to action are a preview of the upcoming NJRC Annual Reentry Conference on April 17, 2025, at St. Peter’s University, which will focus on domestic violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking.
About NJRC:
The New Jersey Reentry Corporation is a nonprofit agency with a social mission to remove all barriers to employment for citizens returning from incarceration. NJRC provides critically needed services such as addiction treatment, job training, employment assistance, and housing referrals to returning citizens throughout New Jersey.
