THE PREVENTION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT

DOES THIS LAW APPLY TO MY SITUATION AND ME?

This law applies to you if you are:
A person 18 years of age or older, or an emancipated minor, subjected to domestic violence by a spouse or former spouse, a present or former household member or someone with whom you have a child in common. This law also applies to you if you are subjected to domestic violence within a dating relationship, regardless of your age (under or over 18). You do not have to be married or living with the abuser in order to be protected.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE UNDER THE LAW?

You are a victim of domestic violence if you have experienced:

• beatings or physical attacks such as kicking, slapping, punching or hair pulling;
• threats that make you fear serious injury to yourself or your children;
• threats that make you fear for your life;
• imprisonment within your own home or at another location;
• forced sexual contact or rape under threats of harm to yourself or someone you care about;
• embarrassment or alarm because of lewd or shocking behavior;
• damage to your personal property;
• forced entry into your home, with or without a weapon;
• threats with a weapon such as a gun or knife;
• repeated verbal humiliation and attacks.

For a more in-depth look at this law, please visit: the New Jersey State Bar Foundation's publication "Domestic Violence: The Law and You (Second Edition)" or the New Jersey Judiciary page of domestic violence laws.