What constitutes “Domestic Violence” In New Jersey?

Divorce Attorney Brian Winters Offer Insight

In the state of New Jersey, domestic violence is governed by the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, which states that domestic violence occurs where there has been a violation of any one of a number of underlying criminal offenses perpetrated against a victim who is typically a family member or romantic partner. The underlying offenses include assault, terrorist threats, kidnapping, criminal restraint, false imprisonment, sexual assault, lewdness, criminal mischief, burglary, criminal trespassing, harassment, stalking, and others. According to the Act, a victim may seek and is oftentimes awarded a Temporary Restraining Order without notice to the alleged perpetrator. Shortly thereafter, there is a trial to determine whether the Restraining Order should be made permanent.