The 9 Categories of Domestic Violence in New Jersey
The 9 Categories of Domestic Violence in New Jersey
The stigma of domestic violence embedded in the average person’s mind includes ideas of victimhood, physical violence, and even poor choices. In truth, parties involved in domestic violence often exist outside of the confines of our assumptions. In 2019, 35.8% of New Jersey women and 27.4% of New Jersey men experienced intimate partner physical violence, rape, and/or stalking in their lifetime (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence). Even though domestic violence illustrates issues of power and control in a relationship (not limited to a romantic partnership), the abuse can often manifest in various and insidious forms. This is something we discuss in length with clients at the Law Offices of Adam C Brown Esq. PC.
Domestic violence need not occur between two parties who currently live together. It spans the spectrum of abuse, including physical, verbal, and emotional, and psychological. One or all of these types of abuse may be inflicted upon a person or persons for an extended or limited period of time. The State of New Jersey protects those experiencing domestic violence under the “Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991,” P.L. 1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-17 et al.)
A person protected under this act is over the age of 18 or is an emancipated minor. This person has experienced domestic violence from a current or former spouse, or any other present or previous household member. Regardless of age, the relationship between the offender and the domestic violence target can include one of the following:
- A person with whom the victim has a child in common
- A person with whom the victim anticipates having a child in common, if one of the parties is pregnant
- A person with whom the victim has had a dating relationship
(New Jersey State Police)
The list below outlines the types of domestic violence legally acknowledged in the State of New Jersey:
- N.J.S.A. 2C:11-1 et seq. Homicide
- N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1, 12-3, 12-10 Assault, Terroristic Threats, Stalking
- N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1, 13-2, 13-3, 13-5 Kidnapping, Criminal Restraint, False Imprisonment
- N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2, 14-3, 14-4 Sexual Assault, Criminal Sexual Contact, Lewdness
- N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1 Robbery
- N.J.S.A. 2C:17-3 Criminal Mischief
- N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2, 18-3 Burglary, Criminal Trespass
- N.J.S.A. 2C:29-9b Contempt
- N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4, 33-4.1 Harassment, Cyber-Harassment
A domestic violence target retains the legal right to file a civil complaint and a criminal complaint. A civil complaint functions as protection for the target, and a criminal complaint functions to punish the abuser.
If you or someone you know experiences any of the above criminal acts from a domestic violence offender, consider taking action quickly. Prioritize the safety of the domestic violence target. See below a list of Domestic Violence Programs and resources in the State of New Jersey, provided by the New Jersey State Police.
Please call the 24-hour Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-572-SAFE (7233) or look below to contact your local domestic violence program. Many services are free, confidential and provided regardless of gender identity, age, race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, ability level or immigration status.
The following are Domestic Violence Programs by Counties:
ATLANTIC COUNTY
AVANZAR (formerly the Women’s Center Violence Intervention Program (VIP)
24 Hr. Hotline: 1-800-286-4184
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Text Line: 609-569-5437
Web: avanzarnow.org/
BERGEN COUNTY
Center for Hope and Safety
24 Hr. Hotline: 201-944-9600
Web: www.hopeandsafetynj.org
Bergen County Alternatives to Domestic Violence
24 Hr. Hotline: (201) 336-7575
Web: www.co.bergen.nj.us/divisions-of-alternatives-to-domestic-violence/alternatives-to-domestic-violence
BURLINGTON COUNTY
Providence House Domestic Violence Services of Catholic Charities
24 Hr. Hotline: (609) 871-7551
Web: www.catholiccharitiestrenton.org/locations/burlington-county/
VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA DELAWARE VALLEY
Phone: 856-854-4660
Web: www.voadv.org
CAMDEN COUNTY
Camden County Women’s Center
24 Hr. Hotline: (856) 227-1234
Web: www.njaconline.org/13.html
https://sites.google.com/a/njaconline.org/camden-county-women-s-center
VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA DELAWARE VALLEY
Phone: 856-854-4660
Web: www.voadv.org
CAPE MAY COUNTY
CARA, Inc. (Coalition Against Rape & Abuse, Inc.)
24 Hr. Hotline: (609) 522-6489
Toll free: 1-877-294-2272 (CARA)
Web: www.cara-cmc.org
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Services Empowering the Rights of Victims Cumberland County Domestic Violence Services
24 Hr. Hotline: 1-800-225-0196
Access line: 1-877-922-2377 (1-877-9-ACCESS)
Web: www.centerffs.org
ESSEX COUNTY
Access Family Services
24 Hr. Hotline: 862-444-3126
Web: https://essexcountynj.org/ceas_directory/access-family-services/
Essex County Family Justice Center
Phone: 973-230-7229
Web: www.essexcountyfjc.org
The Safe House
Emergency Shelter 24 Hr. Hotline: (973) 759-2154
Web: www.rwjbh.org/clara-maass-medical-center/treatment-care/domestic-violence/
www.essexcountynj.org/ceas_directory/safe-house/
The Rachel Coalition of Jewish Family Service
Division of Jewish Family Service of MetroWest New Jersey
24 Hr. Hotline: 973-740-1233
Web: www.rachelcoalition.org
GLOUCESTER COUNTY
Services Empowering Rights of Victims (SERV)
24 Hr. Hotline: 1-866-295-SERV (7378)
Access Line: 1-877-922-2377 (1-877-9-ACCESS)
Web: www.centerffs.org
HUDSON COUNTY
Womenrising, Inc.
24 Hr. Hotline: (201) 333-5700
Web: www.womenrising.org
HUNTERDON COUNTY
Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center (DASACC)*
24 Hr. Hotline: 908-453-4181
Toll free: 1-888-998-4033
Web: www.dasacc.org
*DASACC is now providing Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault services for both Warren and Hunterdon Counties
MERCER COUNTY
Womanspace, Inc.
24 Hr. Hotline: (609) 394-9000
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Text Line: (609) 619-1888
Web: www.womanspace.org
MIDDLESEX COUNTY
Women Aware, Inc.
24 Hr. Hotline: (732) 249-4504
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Text Line: 1-876-658-7713
Web: https://womenaware.net/
Manavi Inc. *
24 Hr. Hotline: 1-732-435-1414
Web: www.manavi.org
* A non-profit organization for women who trace their cultural heritage to Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
MONMOUTH COUNTY
180 Turning Lives Around
24 Hr. Hotline: 1-888-843-9262
Office: 732-264-4111
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Text Line: 732-977-2766
Web: 180nj.org
MORRIS COUNTY
JBWS – Safety, Support & Solutions for Abuse
24 Hr. Hotline: 1-877-782-2873 or 1-877-R-U-ABUSED
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Text Line: 973-314-4192
Web: www.jbws.org
Morris Family Justice Center (MFJC)
Phone: (973) 829-4050
Assistance outside of office hours: Domestic Abuse: 1-877-R-U-ABUSED
Web: www.morrisfjc.org
Jersey Center for Non Violence
Appointments and referrals: (973) 539-7801
OCEAN COUNTY
Providence House Domestic Violence Services of Catholic Charities – Ocean
24 Hr. Hotline: (732) 244-8259
Toll free: 1-800-246-8910
Web: www.catholiccharitiestrenton.org/domestic-violence-services/
PASSAIC COUNTY
Passaic County Women’s Center
Domestic Violence Program
24 Hr. Hotline: (973) 881-1450
Web: www.passaiccountywomenscenter.org
Project S.A.R.A.H.
24 Hr. Hotline: 1-888-883-2323
Phone: (973) 777-7638
Web: www.jfsclifton.org/projectsarah/
WAFA House
Toll free: 1-800-930-9232
Web: www.wafahouse.org/
SALEM COUNTY
Salem County Women’s Services
24 Hr. Hotline: (856) 935-6655
Toll free: 1-888-632-9511
Web: www.salemcountywomensservices.org
SOMERSET COUNTY
Safe+Sound Somerset
24 Hr. Call or Text Hotline: (866) 685-1122
Web: www.safe-sound.org
SUSSEX COUNTY
DASI: Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Intervention Services
24 Hr. Hotline: (973) 875-1211
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Text Line: (973) 222-2593
Web: www.dasi.org
UNION COUNTY
Project: PROTECT
YWCA Union County
24 Hr. Hotline: (908) 355-4357 (HELP)
Web: www.ywcaunioncounty.org
WARREN COUNTY
Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center (DASACC)
24 Hr. Hotline: 908-453-4181
Toll free: 1-888-998-4033
Web: www.dasacc.org
https://www.njsp.org/division/operations/domestic-violence-info.shtml
https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2497/ncadv_new_jersey_fact_sheet_2020.pdf
