Governor Christie Signs Expansion to SASPA Act for Sexual Assault Survivors

sexual assault Earlier this month, Governor Chris Christie singed a bill into law that expands the coverage of the fairly new Sexual Assault Survivors Protection Act. SASPA, as it more commonly called, became law here in New Jersey in May of 2016. SASPA closes an important loophole for survivors of sexual assault or abuse who are not covered by the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act or (PDVA). What protections does it offer victims? Read more

Governor Christie Signs Domestic Violence Gun Bill that Enhances Current Protections

domestic violence spousal abuse

Earlier this month, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed a bill that limits access to firearms for domestic violence offenders. How will this change current domestic violence gun laws on the books?  Read more

How to Defend Yourself In A Domestic Violence Matter

domestic violenceYou have found yourself in the position of defending against a final restraining order being entered against you. A trial has been scheduled and you are naturally concerned. What is important to prioritize in making a strong defense? Read more

Is It Time To Strengthen New Jersey’s Domestic Violence Laws?

Help for Domestic Violence in the Korean Community

The brutal December 18 murder of New Jersey mother of two Tara O’Shea-Watson at the hands of her estranged husband and accused killer, Jeremiah Monell, is a tragedy beyond all belief. In the aftermath of Monell’s arrest following a two-week long manhunt, friends of O’Shea-Watson are now pointing to a proposed domestic violence bill before the New Jersey Legislature that they say may have kept O’Shea-Watson safe, and alive. Read more

Cyber Monday PSA: Protect Yourself From Cyber Spying

is your abusive spouse cyber spying on you?Are you trapped in an abusive relationship? If your spouse is monitoring your movements or spying on you  in an attempt to control you, be aware that he or she may have taken steps to monitor your online activity. With the arrival of today’s Cyber Monday, there’s no better time to learn steps you can take to stay safe and prevent cyber spying or cyber stalking from happening to you: Read more

Spousal Spying—Are You at Risk?

spousal spyingIt is hard for most of us to remember a time without smartphones, email, GPS, and even drones, and virtual reality. High tech definitely seems here to stay. But, there is a dark side to all this technology, particularly in relationships that involve domestic abuse or domestic violence. Abusers can now, more easily than ever, spy on their spouses or significant others, using current technology found in computers, cellphones, hidden web cams and surveillance cameras, and GPS devices. Are you at risk for being spied on by on your spouse — and what can you do to keep yourself safe? Read more

Lesbian Couples and DV: Special Concerns & Solutions

same-sex domestic violenceAccording to the National Violence Against Women survey, domestic violence affects 1 in 3 lesbian relationships. And tragically, many victims remain silent. If we, as a society, have learned anything during October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it is that domestic violence does not discriminate. It knows no race, color, socioeconomic status — or sexual orientation. So how can we help women trapped in these relationships reach out and get the help they need, and that is there for them? Read more

NFL: Disgusting. #WomenMatterNotBalls

domestic violence in the NFL #womenmatternotballs
If you’ve tuned into any NFL game in the past few weeks, you know that teams have been given a pink makeover in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. From pink mouthguards and pink ribbons on helmets to pink pompoms waved by the crowds, the message being sent to viewers and fans is that the National Football League is an organization that cares about the well-being of women.

But does it really? Given Wednesday’s disturbing revelations about New York Giants’ kicker Josh Brown’s history of domestic violence against his former wife, and the light one-game suspension the NFL deemed appropriate to hand down after Brown’s 2015 arrest for domestic violence, this is a fair question to ask of the NFL. And we want answers… Read more

Another NFL Season-Another NFL Player Tied To Domestic Violence

domestic violence
Earlier this year, NFL fans were shocked to learn that New York Giants kicker, Josh Brown not only was arrested for domestic violence in May 2015, but was given a mere 1-game suspension this season, following an NFL investigation into the matter. Brown was upset by the suspension, stating that he did not agree with it, but that he would accept it. He also had the support of his boss, New York Giant’s owner John Mara, who defended his kicker in August of this year “as a man, a father, and a player,” and said the team was comfortable re-signing him during the offseason to a two-year, $4 million deal. Read more

My Son-in-Law is Controlling: Is this a Sign of Domestic Abuse?

controlling spouseYour son-in-law tells your daughter who she can be friends with, what she can and can’t wear, how much she should weigh, and even how long her hair should be. Your daughter seems miserable, and you think your son-in-law is a controlling jerk…but he is also a domestic abuser? Read more