What to do if You are a Victim of Domestic Violence in New Jersey

There is nothing worse than feeling unsafe in your own home. Unfortunately, individuals throughout the state of New Jersey are victims of domestic violence, and if you find yourself in this situation, the time to act is now. Our firm, in conjunction with your local police department, are here to help you get to safety. Please continue reading and speak with our knowledgeable New Jersey family law attorneys to learn more about what we can do for you. Here are some of the questions you may have regarding the legal process ahead.

What does New Jersey’s domestic violence law state?

The Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991 states that victims of domestic violence in the state of New Jersey are entitled to seek both civil and criminal relief from their abusers. This is an extremely valuable law, and if you are a victim of domestic violence, you should strongly consider using it to your advantage to get you and your family to safety.

How can I get a restraining order in New Jersey?

If you are a victim of domestic violence and you believe that you are in imminent danger, the first thing that you should do is call the police. They will document the incident, get you to safety, and they will most likely write up a temporary restraining order at the local police station. That being said, if you feel more comfortable, you can visit the local family court yourself and request a temporary restraining order against your abuser. Furthermore, when you do seek a temporary restraining order, you should be sure to inform the authorities of the urgency of your situation, which should warrant prompt action. Some of the grounds for obtaining a temporary restraining order are harassment, stalking, assault, and terroristic threats. Once the court grants you a temporary restraining order, they will schedule a Final Restraining Order hearing within 10 days of the incident to determine whether the temporary order should be made permanent.

Our experienced firm can work to gather and present all additional evidence to prove that you require a final restraining order. We can use text messages, emails, medical documents, pictures, videos, witness statements, or any other form of proof that you truly require protection against this individual. If you have any additional questions or you are ready to get started, please do not hesitate to speak with our knowledgeable New Jersey family law attorneys today. We are here to help you through every step of the process ahead.

Contact our experienced New Jersey firm

If you require strong legal representation for matters related to divorce or family law, Haber Silver Russoniello & Dunn is here to help. We proudly represent clients in Morris County and throughout the state of New Jersey. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.