New Jersey § 2a:84a-22

§ 2a:84a-22.

The Legislature finds and declares that: a. The emotional and psychological injuries that are inflicted on victims of violence

are often more serious than the physical injuries suffered; b. Counseling is often a successful treatment to ease the real and profound psychological

trauma experienced by these victims and their families; c. In the counseling process, victims of violence openly discuss their emotional reactions

to the crime. These reactions are often highly intertwined with their personal histories and psychological

profile; d. Counseling of violence and victims is most successful when the victims are assured

their thoughts and feelings will remain confidential and will not be disclosed without

their permission; and e. Confidentiality should be accorded all victims of violence who require counseling

whether or not they are able to afford the services of private psychiatrists or psychologists. Therefore, it is the public policy of this State to extend a testimonial privilege

encompassing the contents of communications with a victim counselor and to render

immune from discovery or legal process the records of these communications maintained

by the counselor.