Faces of Domestic Violence: Three Very Different Stories

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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

An Open Letter to the NFL: Play This Season’s Super Bowl Off the Field

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Dear Mr. Roger Goodell,

As a lifelong football fan, my intention was to spend this year’s NFL season, as I always do, rooting for the New York Giants to win big. However, since the Ray Rice domestic assault video broke in September and charges of domestic violence and abuse against other NFL players unearthed, I have changed my mind about who I hope walks away as this season’s champions. Read more

Hope Solo Domestic Violence Charges Involve Sister, Nephew

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In domestic violence news, soccer superstar Hope Solo, 33, has been charged with two counts of misdemeanor domestic violence in the assault of her sister and 17-year-old nephew that occurred in late June. Solo has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial in November. Read more

Rutgers Researchers Uncover New Tool For Empowering Victims of Domestic Violence

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It’s an all-too common situation to find victims of domestic violence and their abusers still living together, even after numerous interventions by law enforcement or the presence of a domestic violence restraining order.

Why do victims stay? It’s often because — beyond the physical threats and emotional harm that may be happening in the relationship — another form of abuse is also taking place: financial abuse. Read more

Bari Weinberger Featured Speaker at Upcoming NJ Domestic Violence Seminar

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and as part of Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group, LLC’s ongoing commitment and mission to serve victims of domestic violence in New Jersey, we are pleased to announce that family law attorney Bari Weinberger will be part of an upcoming domestic violence symposium and fundraiser for Shelter our Sisters, New Jersey’s leading full-service agency for victims of domestic violence and the only agency in Bergen County that provides emergency shelter. Read more

NJ SAFE Act for Domestic Violence Work Leave Goes Into Effect Today

On October 1, 2013, the New Jersey Security and Financial Empowerment Act (NJ SAFE Act) goes into effect across the state. The new law provides workplace leave to eligible employees who are victims of domestic violence or sexual assault as defined under New Jersey law. The NJ SAFE Act applies to workplaces employing 25 or more people and covers unpaid leave of absence for a period not to exceed 20 days in a 12-month period. Read more

Patrick Stewart’s Strong Words About Domestic Violence

You may already be a fan of Patrick Stewart, the actor who played Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the TV and film versions of Star Trek II, but if you have any interest at all in the issue of ending domestic violence, get ready to fall in love all over again. Read more

NJ Court Rules: Pregnant Victims of Domestic Violence Can Seek Restraining Orders for Unborn Children

In an important new ruling handed down last week by a Superior Court judge in Ocean County, pregnant women threatened with domestic violence can file for restraining orders to protect their unborn children. Read more

Spying on Your Spouse During Divorce: How Far is Too Far?

Hidden video cameras. GPS tracking secretly installed in cars. Smartphone apps and computer spyware that save every text, search, and email…

Once accessible mainly to law enforcement or private investigators, surveillance technology has become cheaper and easier-to-use. And as a result, according to an investigative report by the Wall Street Journal, it’s turning modern divorce into a spying free-for-all as spouses increasingly turn to monitoring devices to obtain evidence of affairs and other marital wrongdoings. Read more

Bills Before NJ Assembly Expand Rights of Children, Domestic Abuse Victims

New proposed legislation recommended this week by the state’s Assembly Judiciary Committee would create significant changes in how certain family law matters are conducted, reports the New Jersey Law Journal. What’s on tap to be voted on? One bill expands children’s right to representation in parental termination cases and the other increases privacy rights for domestic violence victims. Here’s a look at what each entails: Read more