Pass Stephanie's Law: Create a Public Domestic Violence Registry in NJ
Stephanie Nicole Parze was a vibrant 25-year-old Freehold, NJ resident with her whole life ahead of her. She was a student athlete, a talented makeup artist, and a compassionate, loyal friend to everyone she met. Stephanie brought joy to everyone around her.
In the summer of 2019, Stephanie met someone new. What began as a caring relationship quickly turned into a nightmare of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. On October 30, 2019, Stephanie disappeared. After 87 agonizing days her body was found on January 26, 2020. Stephanie had been murdered by her ex-boyfriend who later committed suicide.
Stephanie’s death was a devastating tragedy, but it was also preventable. Her story exposed a dangerous, systemic loophole: New Jersey residents currently have no way to know if a potential partner has a documented history of domestic abuse.
No family should ever have to endure the 87 days of agony that Stephanie’s family suffered. That is why we are demanding the enactment of "Stephanie's Law" (S2601 / A2086) by the New Jersey State Legislature.
Stephanie's Law will establish a publicly searchable online domestic violence offender registry maintained by the State of New Jersey. We need this law to bridge the gap between hidden court records and public safety, empowering individuals and families with the critical information needed to make informed choices before entering or staying in a dangerous relationship.
Domestic Violence is Escalating: Over 70,000 domestic violence incidents are reported in NJ every year, and 1 in 3 women will experience intimate partner abuse in their lifetime.
- Restraining Orders Alone Don't Stop Abusers: More than 10,900 complaints in NJ in a single year involved offenders who already had prior court orders issued against them.
- Victims Need Real-Time Protection: Over 89% of domestic violence fatalities in New Jersey involve offenders with a documented history of abuse.
Stephanie’s Law would joins a powerful movement recognizing that public transparency saves lives. International and national precedents include:
- England & Wales implemented Clare's Law in 2014, and Canada adopted Clare's Law across multiple provinces (including Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Newfoundland).
- Tennessee enacted Savanna’s Law (establishing a public domestic violence registry)
- Oklahoma (HB 1322) is advancing similar public registry legislation
- States like New York, Texas, and Connecticut have also introduced registry bills
We cannot bring Stephanie back, but together, we can prevent this from happening to someone else’s daughter, sister, or friend. Please join us in urging the New Jersey State Legislature to pass "Stephanie's Law." Sign and share this petition today to demand transparency, protect families, and help us save lives.
