STATE LAW IN NEW JERSEY
The State of New Jersey has a broad definition of domestic abuse, which can include verbal and emotional abuse. More specifically, New Jersey recognizes that any of the following can be considered domestic violence:
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Homicide
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Assault
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Terroristic threats
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Kidnapping, criminal restraint and false imprisonment
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Sexual assault, criminal sexual contact and lewdness
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Criminal mischief
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Burglary and criminal trespass
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Harassment and stalking
New Jersey domestic violence laws are meant to protect certain classes including minors, spouses, fiances (those in a dating relationship) and other members of a household, including elderly parents or relatives.
TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER (TRO)
This is an order that is issued by a judge who is satisfied that demanding circumstances exist enough to excuse the failure of the victim to appear personally and that sufficient grounds for granting the temporary restraining order have been shown. To protect the victim from the defendant, the judge may grant within the temporary restraining order that the:
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The abuser is forbidden from returning to the scene of the Domestic Violence as well as other locations to be determined.
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The abuser is prohibited from future acts of Domestic Violence.
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The abuser is forbidden from possessing a firearm or weapons.
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The abuser is forbidden from having any communication or contact with the victim or the victim’s relatives in person, via the telephone, or in writing. This includes making or causing anyone else to do so, on the abuser’s behalf.
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The abuser is required to pay temporary child support to victim.
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The abuser is required to reimburse the victim for any medical expenses incurred due to injury caused by defendant.
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The victim is given exclusive possession of the residence.
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The victim is given temporary custody of the children.
SAFETY & EXIT PLAN
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Keep any evidence of abuse, such as pictures of injuries, texts, emails, etc.
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Keep a journal of all violent incidences, noting dates, events and threats made; Keep your journal in a safe place.
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Tell someone what is happening to you.
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If you are injured, go to a doctor or an emergency room and report what happened to you; sk that they document your visit.
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If you have children, identify a safe place for them, like a room with a lock or a friend’s house where they can go for help. Reassure them that their job is to stay safe, not to protect you.
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If you need a safe place to stay, contact your local shelter and find out about laws and other resources available for you.
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Try to set money aside or ask friends or family members to hold money for you.
Statewide
Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-572-SAFE (7233)
SAFEHOUSES
We understand that taking the first step to getting out is very scary, but you should know there are Safehouses which provide a spectrum of life-saving, supportive and educational services to help survivors of all ages leave behind a life of domestic violence. These services enable individuals and families to begin a new life of stability, dignity and self-sufficiency.
If you're stuck in quarantine with a toxic or abusive partner, message me about My Health Products (I don't have any) and I will know to continually check in on you.
If you ask me about PLACING AN ORDER AND INCLUDE YOUR ADDRESS, I will know to contact the police.
There has been a 40% increase in domestic violence cases since this quarantine. Please don't be afraid to reach out to us.
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