- What is the Domestic Violence Act?
- What types of relief does this Act provide?
- How do I get a Restraining Order?
- How do I know if I am entitled to a Restraining Order?
- Can I get a Restraining Order against a juvenile?
- What happens when I go to court to get a Restraining Order?
- What is the difference between a Temporary and Final Restraining Order?
- Does that mean that my Temporary Restraining Order can expire?
- How long does a Final Restraining Order last?
- Do I have to tell the defendant my address to get a Restraining Order?
- I have moved a few times and my Restraining Order has my old address and my old place of employment. What should I do?
- I want to drop my Restraining Order. Can I just let the defendant move back in and start seeing him again?
- What do I do if I feel my Restraining Order has been violated?
1. What is the Domestic Violence Act?
The Domestic Violence Act (N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17 (The Prevention of Domestic Violence Act “PDVA”, et seq.)) is a series of laws designed to protect victims of domestic violence.
2. What types of relief does this Act provide?
The most sought-after and powerful relief provided by The Act is a Restraining Order. A Restraining Order can either be temporary or final and can only be issued by a judge. If issued, a Restraining Order can direct an offender to stay away from a victim, the victim’s family, and the victim’s friends. It can also direct an offender to stay away from the victim’s residence, place of employment and other places frequented by the victim.
3. How do I get a Restraining Order?
Between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., you can apply for a Restraining Order in the Family Court Reception Office of the Superior Court. Family Court cannot accept applications on weekends or holidays. After 3:30 p.m., or when Family Court is not in session, contact your local police department. They will contact a judge to determine whether or not a Restraining Order should be granted.
4. How do I know if I am entitled to a Restraining Order?
To qualify for a Restraining Order you must be a “victim” who has been subjected to an act of “domestic violence.”
“Victim” means any person 18 years of age or older, who has been subjected to an act of domestic violence by a spouse, former spouse, or present or former household member. It also includes any person, regardless of age, who has been subjected to an act of domestic violence by a person with whom he/she has a child in common, or if one of the parties is pregnant by the other. It also includes a person with whom the defendant has had a dating relationship.
“Domestic Violence” means any of the following acts committed against a “victim” as defined above: Homicide; Assault; Terroristic Threats; Stalking; Kidnapping; Criminal Restraint; False Imprisonment; Sexual Assault; Criminal Sexual Contact; Lewdness; Criminal Mischief; Burglary; Criminal Trespass; Harassment; Criminal Coercion; Robbery; Contempt of a Domestic Violence Order pursuant to N.J.S.A. 29-9 that constitutes a crime or disorderly persons offense; and/or any other crime involving the risk of death or serious bodily injury to a person protected under the PDVA.
5. Can I get a Restraining Order against a juvenile?
Only if you have a child by the juvenile and have been subjected to an act of domestic violence.
6. What happens when I go to court to get a Restraining Order?
Superior and Municipal Court procedures differ slightly. In the Superior Court, Family Reception Office, you will be asked to fill out a domestic violence complaint. A domestic violence complaint is a civil complaint, not a criminal complaint. You will then appear before a judge who will review the complaint and ask you some questions. If the judge is satisfied, a Temporary Restraining order will be issued and a date will be set for a Final Restraining Order hearing. After hours, the same procedure is followed, however, the judge is contacted over the telephone by the local police department and the order is issued over the phone.
7. What is the difference between a Temporary and Final Restraining Order?
A Temporary Restraining Order is issued based only upon the input of the victim. The defendant is not notified by the court and is not present. A Temporary Restraining Order is intended to provide exactly the same relief to the victim as a Final Restraining Order. However, it is intended to last only until the final hearing.
A Final Restraining Order is issued after a hearing when the defendant has been served with a Temporary Restraining Order. The defendant is present and the court hears from both the victim and the defendant. A Final Restraining Order remains in full effect until further order of the court and is enforceable under the Federal Full Faith and Credit Provision of Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
8. Does that mean that my Temporary Restraining Order can expire?
No. A Temporary Restraining Order will last until it is dismissed by the court at the request of the victim; or if a final hearing is held and a Final Restraining Order is not granted. There is no ‘time limit’ on a Temporary Restraining Order. If the defendant is served with the Restraining Order but does not appear for a final hearing, the Temporary Restraining Order can continue indefinitely.
9. How long does a Final Restraining Order last?
If there has been a final hearing and a Final Restraining Order has been granted, it will last until the victim asks the court to dismiss it. If there is no request for dismissal by the victim, it will last indefinitely.
10. Do I have to tell the defendant my address to get a Restraining Order?
No. If your current address is not known to the defendant, the court will not compel you to tell the defendant. The Order will merely indicate that the defendant is “barred from the current residence.”
11. I have moved a few times and my Restraining Order has my old address and my old place of employment. What should I do?
If you would like this information added to your Restraining order, you should request a modification from the Superior Court. A new hearing date will be set and the modifications will be made. However, be aware that this information will be made available to the defendant.
12. I want to drop my Restraining Order. Can I just let the defendant move back in and start seeing him again?
No. Restraining Orders can only be dismissed by a court. Any violation of a Restraining Order, even if consented to by a victim, may result in the arrest and incarceration of a defendant.
13. What do I do if I feel my Restraining Order has been violated?
Call the police. A violation of a Restraining Order is a crime, punishable by up to 18 months in jail. Restraining Order violations are treated very seriously by law enforcement and the courts. Violations typically result in complaints being issued by either the police or victim. If you encounter problems in reporting a violation of a Restraining Order, contact the Prosecutor’s Office.