Tag Archive for: domestic abuse

A “Solutions” Response to Domestic Violence

solutions for domestic abuseStatistics are important. They tell a story and paint a picture. Especially during October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month when the public is bombarded with statistics regarding domestic violence rates, numbers of murders by intimate partners, and charts with figures about children of families where there is domestic abuse.

But, what if we shifted the focus to talking about solutions for this epidemic? What about bringing to the public instances where rates of domestic violence in a specific city were reduced due to certain efforts of the police and citizens of that city? Read more

Domestic Violence Protection: How The Courts Help Victims

Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, remains a dire issue in New Jersey. According to statistics compiled by the New Jersey State Police, there are approximately 70,000 reports of domestic violence per year statewide, 42% of which involved physical assault. Domestic violence victims in New Jersey can be women or men. As stated by Assemblywoman Celeste Riley, “Domestic violence doesn’t know a sex, it doesn’t know an age,” she said. “If you are abused, you are a victim.”

If you are a victim, there are legal remedies that can protect you; specifically in the New Jersey family courts. The family court has the authority to issue both temporary and final restraining orders, and many times, these proceedings go hand in hand with any criminal case that may be ongoing. Here are some tips to help you navigate the court system… Read more

Smart Phone Apps Spouses Use to Spy

keeping smartphones safe

Only a brief Google search will yield you fast results: tracking software and smartphone applications that can be purchased, downloaded and installed on someone else’s phone. Companies will even monitor the software for you for a little as 50 cents a day. Why are these programs available? To be fair, they are usually marketed as a way to keep track of your children so that you know their whereabouts in what can be a dangerous world. They are also supposedly geared towards employers who may be concerned about the security of their businesses. But, what about the use of these types of applications and programs in a domestic violence situation? Read more

Amber Heard & Johnny Depp Domestic Violence Fallout: Do Police In NJ Have Obligation to Arrest?

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard Domestic Violence

Image copyright arp, Depositphoto.com

News has been breaking this week about Johnny Depp and his estranged wife Amber Heard, and the alleged incident of domestic violence that Amber reports happened on the night of May 21, 2016 at the couple’s Los Angeles home. What really happened between Johnny and Amber that night we may never know for sure. What we do know, however, is that the Los Angeles Police Department was called to the couple’s house at least once that evening.

What transpired when cops arrived on the scene? Read more

Recognizing The Signs of Intimate Partner Violence

Get help for domestic violence and intimate partner violenceAlthough we like to think we live in a more enlightened age, unfortunately, when it comes to intimate partner violence, also known as domestic violence, we, as a society, still have a long way to go. According to the Association of American Family Physicians, in the United States, approximately 1.5 million women and 834,700 men annually are raped and/or physically assaulted by an intimate partner. Women are more likely than men to be injured, sexually assaulted, or murdered by an intimate partner. Studies suggest that one in four women is at lifetime risk.

To remedy these tragic statistics, education is key, as is awareness of the many faces of intimate partner violence. Not all forms are intimate partner violence (IPV) are easy to recognize because IPV is not always physical violence; IPV can also be threats, intimidation or harassment, and more. Read more

Emotional Abuse In Divorce: How To Protect Yourself And Your Children

emotional abuse in divorceEmotional abuse can carry an added layer of damage because, unlike physical abuse, it leaves no discernible marks. Other people, and even the victim, don’t always recognize it’s happening. After years of being invalidated, disempowered, and made to feel worthless, abuse victims can begin to doubt their own reality, and ignore signs that they’re being mistreated. Read more

Recognizing The Signs Of Spousal Abuse In Women…And What To Do

Get help for domestic violenceAppearances can be deceiving when it comes to domestic violence. Our unconscious ideas about what abuse “looks like” – it “always” leaves marks –or the “type” of woman who’s married to an abuser – someone with glaringly low self-esteem and limited options — can lead us to miss some of the less obvious signs that our friend, daughter, or sister is in an abusive relationship, and needs help.

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Resource Guide to Domestic Violence Help in New Jersey

NJ domestic violence resources

Are you or someone you know looking for a domestic violence shelter or safe house? Want to know more about the process of obtaining a restraining order? Desperate to start building a future for you and your children that’s free from abusive and controlling behavior? New Jersey is home to a number of shelters and victim advocacy groups that provide assistance to victims of intimate partner violence and domestic abuse. You are not alone. Help is available. The following list contains individual referral contacts for shelters (arranged by county) and links to further information, including how to keep your privacy intact during this trying time. Read more