Did New Jersey “Stay-at-Home” Orders Create a Toxic Environment For Domestic Abuse to Thrive?

If you are the victim of one of the 19 criminal offenses that constitute domestic violence under the NJ Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (PDVA), safety for yourself and your children should be your priority.

Recent back-to-back related domestic violence-related killings in Bergen County have left many wondering if the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders created the volatile atmosphere or merely hastened an already deteriorating family situation. The increased levels of anxiety and violence in many homes seem to directly correlate to the nationwide viral pandemic combined, downward spiraling economy, and widespread employment crisis.

Do you suspect or know a friend or family member who is a victim of domestic violence? Have you or someone you know been living near your abuser and are fearful or unable to safely get help or move forward with filing a restraining order because you are worried about your child’s safety or child custody?

If you are the victim of one of the 19 criminal offenses that constitute domestic violence under the NJ Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (PDVA), safety for yourself and your children should be your priority. Above all else, know that there is help and resources available to you if you wish to file a temporary restraining order (TRO) to protect you from your abuser. New Jersey has a confidential 24 hour/7 days a week statewide Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-572-7233) that provides access to information, crisis intervention, referral, and advocacy. Also, every county in the State of New Jersey has an agency that will offer you help and counseling services either for free or on a sliding scale basis, in addition to police resources. There are also countless New Jersey non-profits dedicated to domestic violence victims and emotional, economic, sexual, and physical abuse.

If you are unable to speak safely, go online to thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522. Victims of sexual abuse can find help at the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault Hotline or by calling 1-800-601-7200. Individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing may use TTY (1-800-787-3224), for Deaf advocates who are available 24/7 by video phone through the National Deaf Hotline at 1-855-812-1001, Instant Messenger (DeafHotline) or email (nationaldeafhotline@adwas.org).

Filing A Restraining Order Can Provide Legal Protection Against Sexual Abuse

Unfortunately, there are many victims of sexual abuse who, because of shelter-in-place, had or have been trapped at home with their abusers with limited or no access to social workers, teachers, coaches, doctors, friends, family members, or anyone else to whom they might have been able to report the abuse to.

Due to either a fear of retribution, not being believed, shame, self-blame, or uncertainty of resources available to them, many victims of sexual abuse may not speak up or come forward. Despite these factors, now is the time to speak up and speak out about your abuse.

Everyone who is wrongly injured has a right to seek justice. Victims of abuse are entitled to get justice for their trauma and personal injury, especially when access to resources will help them recover from said injuries.

How To Get Immediate Protection From Domestic Violence in New Jersey

If you are the victim of domestic violence and need an immediate order of protection from your abuser, the attorneys at The Montanari Law Group, LLC, are here for you to provide much-needed counsel and aggressive advocacy. With extensive experience in the restraining order process, we are ready to put our knowledgeable, effective, and compassionate legal service to work for you today.

After you submit your domestic violence case to your local police department and apply for a TRO, we will work with you to gather relevant information and evidence and construct a compelling case on your behalf to achieve your desired outcome for you and your family. With a background in criminal and family law, our legal specialists can handle all aspects of your domestic violence case, from a temporary restraining order to the final restraining order hearing.

Contact us online today or call our Woodland Park offices at (973) 233-4396 or toll-free at (888) 877-7985 to arrange a safe, secure, convenient, free, and confidential virtual consultation via Skype, Zoom, or Google Hangouts, to discuss your unique needs, concerns, and situation.

Contact Our Wayne County, NJ Domestic Abuse Attorneys For a Free Consultation

The family law attorneys at The Montanari Law Group have decades of experience working with clients seeking protection from domestic abuse in Clifton, Wayne, Little Falls, Patterson, West Milford, Woodland Park, and all over Passaic County.

Because the court holds the child’s safety and well-being at the center of all domestic violence and child custody cases, a judge will order what they deem necessary to ensure the child’s safety until final custody is determined.

Our unique approach supports our clients in facilitating the legal process in the child custody agreement and any domestic abuse charges so that they can focus on safely and steadily building their new life.

To speak with one of our experienced Passaic County domestic violence attorneys, contact us online today for a free initial consultation or at (973) 233-4396 or toll-free (888) 877-7985.