An important and groundbreaking bill, NJ A2854, was introduced in the New Jersey Legislature by Representative Daniel Benson and co-sponsored by Representatives Valerie Huttle, and Anthony Verrelli. It is also sponsored in the Senate NJ S1519 by Linda Greenstein. It is now in the Judiciary Committee, and hopefully, will be voted on soon.
This bill will extend the statute of limitations for disabled minors and adults who were bullied, abused, exploited, and neglected.
Minors will have up to 37 years and those over 18 will have up to 7 years after they realize that damage occurred because of the above actions. This is a civil action and actions against vulnerable adults can be reported to adult protective services and to law enforcement.
Undoubtedly, this will provide a new layer of protection for the disabled, and, hopefully, similar legislation will occur in other states. Not only will this type of legislative allow victims to be compensated for damage done to them but will also act as a deterrent against future abuses.
Bullying has emerged as a major public health problem displayed in various forms such as verbal, physical, psychological aggression. The effects of childhood bullying can cause problems such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, sleep problems, low grades, physical problems, alcoholism, and substance abuse, and even suicide. These effects can reach into adulthood and have a profound effect upon a person’s development and life.
It is estimated that fully 33 percent of students have been bullied with 25 percent occurring daily. From 37 to 45 percent of adults have been bullied, many in the workplace. These figures increase even more in the disabled population.
Common forms of bullying are name calling such as “r***rd” and cripple,” threats, physical abuse, starting rumors, isolation, etc.
Bullying behavior is particularly damaging when childhood bullying follows a person into adulthood and interferes with many aspects of their life, including social, psychological, academic, work, and finances. Often, the losses experienced cannot be undone, but this legislation will help to compensate the victims. Thus, if this bill becomes law, it will be a major victory in the war against bullying of the disabled!
This Bill was inspired by a case of bullying that started in childhood and has lasted more than 30 years due to a lifelong vendetta taken out by a bully against the victim for reporting his abuse to the police and his subsequent arrest after he organized a group to beat up the victim and steal his bike and money which traumatized him. He then conspired to recruit and conspire with others to assist him in carrying out his hate campaign, including defamation, false light, invasion of privacy, rumors, and physical assault. This resulted in many losses to the victim, including his alumni networks from high school and college, as well as losses in employment. It also followed him in the community, and it is still going on today, causing him to be stressed out and worry about the next incident that may destroy opportunities and the quality of his life.
For those who live in New Jersey, please contact your representatives to support this bill. For those in other states, please contact your representatives to introduce similar legislation that will improve the lives of disabled people.
