New Jersey

New Jersey Unveils New Guidelines For Handling Sex Assaults

What to Know

  • New Jersey's attorney general has unveiled new guidelines for how law enforcement should deal with sexual assault victims
  • Attorney General Gurbir Grewal announced the 14 new protocols on Tuesday
  • Gov. Phil Murphy says he ordered the review resulting in the new guidelines after a top staffer came forward as a sexual assault victim

New Jersey's attorney general has unveiled new guidelines for how law enforcement should deal with sexual assault victims.

Attorney General Gurbir Grewal announced the 14 new protocols on Tuesday "that prioritize the needs and concerns of victims and seek to continue and expand upon current practices to ensure that victims receive respectful treatment and appropriate services."

Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy says he ordered the review resulting in the new guidelines after a top staffer at the state's housing agency came forward last month as sexual assault victim.

Katie Brennan has said too little was done about her complaints, which she reported to law enforcement.

Her story led to the creation of a legislative committee investigating how Murphy handled the complaints.

Murphy ordered an internal review, which is still pending.

Among the new protocols is a requirement that prosecutors offer victims a meeting to discuss their reasons for not pursuing charges in cases that don't result in them.

“While much has been done through the years to make law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and other service providers more responsive to the needs of sexual assault victims, there is always room for re-examination and improvement,” Grewal said in a statement.

“The directive and standards issued today are the result of outstanding collaboration among law enforcement, the service community, and advocates for sexual assault survivors," he added.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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