FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2026
CONTACT
Laila Wilson McCoy
Director of Development
Centurion
(609) 921-0034
Laila.Wilson@centurion.org
Marie Cargille
Public Awareness Coordinator
New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence
(609) 262-3558
mcargile@njcedv.org
Eric W. Hughes
Director of Communications
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice
(973) 233-5724
ehughes@vljnj.org
Centurion, New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence, and Volunteer Lawyers for Justice Champion the Survivors Justice Act in New Jersey
TRENTON, NJ – Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ), the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence, and Centurion proudly stand together in celebrating the Survivors Justice Act (SJA), which was signed into law by Governor Murphy earlier this week. Together, S4870/A5968 and S4871/A5969 mark a pivotal step toward a more equitable and trauma-informed justice system for survivors of domestic violence and other forms of abuse in New Jersey.
S4870/A5968 codifies critical reforms that would allow courts to consider a survivor’s victimization as a mitigating factor in sentencing. The companion bill, S4871/A5969, broadens criminal record expungement relief for survivors.
Our organizations are deeply grateful to Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin, Assemblywoman Ellen Park who championed the bills in the Assembly, and to Senator Angela McKnight and Senator M. Teresa Ruiz who introduced bills S4870 and S4871 in the Senate. We are also grateful to former Governor McGreevey and the NJ Reentry Corporation, Set Her Free, the Office of the Public Defender, the Latino Action Network, and especially the brave survivors who testified in support of this legislation, including Dawn Jackson and Myrna Diaz.
“Sentence reform is crucial for domestic violence survivors because it acknowledges the complex realities of abuse and promotes justice that is fair while incorporating compassion for victims of abuse. Many survivors have been criminalized for actions taken in self-defense, fear and prolonged trauma. Without reform, the legal system fails to consider the context of abuse. Many survivors suffer harsh sentences that punish instead of protect! By reforming sentencing laws, you can create pathways for reduced sentences for those who have been victimized and opportunities for clemency. In addition, it helps recognize the impact of trauma and supports rehabilitation over punishment. It also aligns the justice system with principles of human dignity. Sentence reform is not about excusing harm, it is about understanding the root causes and creating a system that serves justice for those who have already endured violence and suffering,” Survivor and advocate Myrna Diaz.
“Over the past year, I have been honored to work alongside the Coalition to End Domestic Violence, Volunteer Lawyers for Justice, Centurion, Governor Jim McGreevey and Assemblywoman Pintor Marin on the Survivors Justice Act. This bill, which has been signed by Governor Murphy, will support survivors of domestic violence and their families in enhancing the judicial system by empowering judges to recognize the trauma survivors have endured as evidence in the courtroom and providing individuals with a pathway to expungement in certain circumstances so they have a second chance of a better future. Thanks to the brave survivors who have supported this legislation and testified before the Legislature, I and my colleagues learned firsthand the importance of these bills and the impact it will create. The legislation in no way diminishes the power of the court nor does it weaken our criminal justice system, it simply recognizes that our society and State is at its best when we do not recriminalize survivors and have a more equitable criminal justice system. I thank the many that partnered with me on this legislation and am grateful for its signing and look forward to implementation,” Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez.
For far too long, New Jersey’s legal framework has inadvertently penalized survivors of domestic violence, often failing to recognize the profound impact of abuse on their actions. Current sentencing laws regrettably silence the critical context of domestic violence, denying judges the ability to consider it as a mitigating factor in certain crimes. The SJA seeks to rectify this by empowering judges with the discretion to make truly informed sentencing decisions, acknowledging the complex realities faced by survivors.
The stark statistics from the New Jersey Department of Corrections paint a compelling picture: in 2023, a staggering 72% of first-time offenders convicted of violent crimes at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility were individuals who had been abused by the very victim of the crime for which they were serving time.
“As a justice-impacted woman and as a survivor of domestic violence, I am elated. A lot of us don’t understand the impact that trauma had on our choices until it’s talked about. These bills are redemption; a person gets a chance to be seen and heard. It’s not an excuse, but an understanding of why from the past. It lends a door to transformation going forward. It’s saying we see you, we hear you, and we understand that this might not have been a hundred percent your fault, so let’s do something. It shows people that healing is the path forward,” Dr. Jamila T. Davis, Set Her Free.
The expungement law will allow survivors of abuse to fully heal from their trauma. Being labeled a defendant creates immense barriers for survivors of abuse, deepening feelings of shame and isolation, and hindering access to necessary domestic violence resources. The long-term consequences of a conviction are devastating, leading to economic instability, struggles with housing and employment, the tragic loss of parental rights, and further re-traumatization.
“Expungement for convictions rooted in abuse is about recognizing the lasting harm survivors endure and giving them a real and fair chance to move forward. . When people are no longer defined by records tied to trauma, they are better positioned to rebuild their lives, support their families, and remain connected to their communities, outcomes that strengthen public safety and help break cycles of violence,” Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz.
Our coalition of organizations believe all survivors deserve safety, healing, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives free from violence. The SJA embodies a trauma-informed approach to justice, seeking not only accountability but also the chance for survivors to heal and thrive. These laws build upon the vital work of Governor Murphy's Clemency Project, which has already demonstrated the incredible potential for survivors to flourish when granted a second chance.
“I am deeply grateful for the Survivor’s Justice Act, now officially signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy. This law marks a pivotal moment for justice and healing, offering hope to countless justice-impacted individuals, both women and men. We extend heartfelt thanks to the dedicated individuals and organizations that made this possible, including Dr. Jamilah T. Davis, Dr. Donna Hylton, Senator Angela McKnight, ACLU-NJ, NJRC, Reform Alliance and NJCEDV. We also honor the women and men who have been pardoned or commuted, whose journeys inspire this progress,” Survivor and advocate Dawn Jackson.
Together, we can create a New Jersey where the justice system serves as a pathway to healing and liberation for all survivors.
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About Centurion
Centurion, based in Princeton, New Jersey, is the first nationwide organization dedicated to freeing the wrongfully imprisoned and has freed 72 individuals to date.
About the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence (NJCEDV)
NJCEDV is a statewide domestic violence coalition with a membership of 33 domestic violence agencies throughout the state who work directly with survivors of domestic violence providing shelter, counseling and support. The mission of the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence is to lead collaborative community and systemic responses to domestic violence by providing public awareness, training, advocacy, policy development, technical assistance and supportive services.
About Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ)
VLJ is an award-winning, comprehensive nonprofit legal services program based in Newark, NJ, with a statewide reach. VLJ's mission is to ensure access to justice for people experiencing poverty. The Newark-based organization ensures fair access to the legal system through partnerships with corporations and hundreds of volunteer attorneys. In 2024, VLJ’s work impacted nearly 4,500 people—including 1,661 children—and its volunteer attorneys donated $2.2 million in free legal services. Connect with VLJ on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.