One of the most difficult aspects of domestic violence is that it affects a victim’s ability to take self-protective measures. Some people are uncertain whether or not their situation even amounts to domestic violence. Others are simply overwhelmed by their emotional or financial entanglement with the perpetrator.
If you are in either of these situations, it can help to take things one step at a time. If you are in physical danger, your first step is clear: Call 911 or the NJ Domestic Violence Hotline at 1 (800) 572-SAFE (7233). You can also call the hotline if you just have questions about your (or someone else’s) situation, or you can contact an experienced domestic violence attorney free of charge.
While the most obvious domestic violence scenarios involve physical violence, there are actually 14 distinct offenses covered by the New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, N.J.S.A.2C:25-17 et seq. (NJPDVA).
Here are three very different NJ domestic violence case studies: Read more