The New Jersey Domestic Violence Act is intended to provide a robust framework for protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable, ensuring that victims have access to the necessary resources and legal protections to escape abusive situations and prevent further violence.
Officially known as the “Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991,” is a comprehensive law designed to protect victims of domestic violence and provide them with various legal remedies. Here are the key components of the act:
The Act defines domestic violence as the occurrence of one or more specific criminal offenses committed by an adult or emancipated minor against a person who is a spouse, former spouse, household member, former household member, co-parent, or someone with whom the perpetrator has had a dating relationship. The offenses include assault, harassment, stalking, kidnapping, criminal restraint, and more.
Victims of domestic violence can obtain a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and, subsequently, a Final Restraining Order (FRO). These orders can provide various forms of relief, such as prohibiting the abuser from contacting the victim, granting temporary custody of children, and requiring the abuser to pay temporary support or legal fees.
A final Restraining Order has long term negative consequences such as your ability to hold certain jobs and to own a firearm. If you or someone you know has been charged with domestic violence call 609-472-1377 and get the help you need