{"id":375002,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:01","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-domestic-violence-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-04-06T16:43:04","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T21:43:04","slug":"new-jersey-domestic-violence-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-domestic-violence-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"New Jersey Domestic Violence Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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New Jersey Domestic Violence Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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New Jersey domestic violence laws cover the criminal act of harassment or assault, committed between people in a qualifying relationship such as spouse, household member, or dating partner. These offenses are covered in New Jersey\u2019s Prevention of Violence Act, which allows victims to seek temporary or final restraining orders.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

For most, home is where you’re safest. For victims of <\/span>domestic violence<\/span><\/a>, it’s often the opposite. The abuser has a personal relationship with the victim. They use abuse and fear to control the victim’s life. New Jersey<\/span> has laws in place to punish abusers and offer relief to their victims.<\/p>\n

The Prevention of Domestic Violence Act<\/span> (PDVA) of 1991<\/a> details penalties and protections for domestic violence in New Jersey<\/span>. Understanding the laws involved is complex. This article will define domestic violence in the state of <\/span>New Jersey<\/span>, explain how restraining orders<\/span> work, and help you navigate the court system. Read on to learn more about domestic violence laws<\/span> in New Jersey<\/span>.<\/p>\n

The Basics of New Jersey<\/span> Domestic Violence<\/span> Laws<\/span><\/h2>\n

Not every abusive crime is domestic violence, nor is every offense between spouses domestic violence either. For domestic violence classification in New Jersey<\/span>, a certain criminal act must occur between people sharing a qualifying relationship<\/a>. Let’s take a look at each aspect for a better understanding of what domestic violence is.<\/p>\n

Domestic Violence in New Jersey<\/span>: Criminal Acts<\/h3>\n

New Jersey<\/span> law<\/span> offers a definitive list of crimes and categories eligible for domestic violence classification. Domestic abuse<\/span> is about power and control<\/a>. Abusers seek to dominate a victim’s life through threats, fear, coercion, and violence.<\/p>\n

While physical abuse<\/a> is often the image many think of at the mention of domestic violence, it’s far from the only type<\/a>. The domestic violence offenses<\/span> under New Jersey<\/span> law<\/span> cover a wide range of abusive behavior<\/a>:<\/p>\n