Notice/Order/Directive – Victim’s Assistance and Survivor Protection Act (VASPA) – Relaxation of Court Rule 5:7B; New Administrative Directive #23-23

NOTICE TO THE BAR 

           Effective January 1, 2024, the Victim's Assistance and Survivor Protection Act (V ASPA) will provide an avenue for victims not covered by domestic violence statutes to seek a protective order for certain offenses, including the additional predicate acts of stalking and cyber-harassment. This new law supersedes the Sexual Assault Survivor Protection Act of 2015 (SASPA) while retaining the substance of that Act. 

           The Supreme Court in the attached December 5, 2023 Order has relaxed Rule 5 :7B ("Sexual Assault and Survivor Protection Act: Protection Order") to align with and implement V ASP A. The attached rule relaxation order will remain in effect pending the adoption of conforming rule amendments. 

           In addition, attached Administrative Directive #23-23 ("Family Procedures for Implementation of Victim's Assistance and Survivor Protection Act (V ASPA); Rescission of Directive #07-03"), sets out protocols for VASPA applications. Directive #23-23 promulgates new and updated forms, which are also available at njcourts.gov. 

           Questions on VASPA, the Court's December 5, 2023 Order, and Directive #23-23 should be addressed to the AOC Family Practice Division at 609-815-2900, ext. 55350.