Surviving Domestic Violence:Your Legal Rights

Rachel Coalition PartnersJewish Family Service of MetroWestNational Council of Jewish Women — Essex County SectionNational Council of Jewish Women — West Morris SectionWomen’s Department of the United Jewish Communities

of MetroWest New JerseyMetroWest Rabbinic CabinetSaint Barnabas Medical CenterHadassah — Northern New Jersey Region Jewish Women International — North Atlantic RegionJCC MetroWest

973-740-1233www.rachelcoalition.orgCopyright ©2003 The Rachel Coalition

This publication is co-sponsored by the New JerseyState Bar Foundation and made possible with fundingfrom the IOLTA Fund of the Bar of New Jersey.

60 So. Fullerton Ave. #211Montclair, NJ 07042973–233–0111 • www.pfwj.org

This publication was made possible through a generous grant* fromthe New Jersey State Bar Foundation.

A great deal of thanks and appreciation is due to the members ofthe Rachel Coalition Legal Committee and Partners for Women andJustice who developed and edited this manual.

A special thanks to the following contributors who gave permission to reproduce portions of the handbook:

The New Jersey State Bar Association publication, DomesticViolence: The Law and You

Shelter our Sisters publication, Bergen County’s Resource Guide for Victims of Domestic Violence

Acknowledgements

Printed October, 2007.

The information in this publication is published as a public education service to help explain laws in New Jersey. It does notconstitute legal advice, which can only be given by an attorney.

*This booklet was made possible by funding from the IOLTAFund of the Bar of New Jersey. To obtain free copies, write to the New Jersey State Bar Foundation, One Constitution Square,New Brunswick, N.J. 08901-1500, call 1-800-FREE LAW or visit our Web site at www.njsbf.org.

Why this Booklet was Created . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

What is Domestic Violence? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

How Children are Affected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Understanding the New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

How the Police can Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Using the Legal Process for Restraining Orders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Domestic Violence and the Criminal Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Creating a Safety Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Resources:

• Where to Go for a Restraining Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

• Services for Domestic Violence Victims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

• Domestic Violence Hotlinesand Other Useful Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

• Statewide Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

• Domestic Violence Website Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

• Rachel Coalition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

• Partners for Women and Justice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Table of Contents

Domestic violence is a problem that affects one out of four womenduring the course of her lifetime. Men can also be victims.* Mostvictims keep their problem a secret, sometimes feeling that theabuse is their fault or something they must handle on their own.Often victims of domestic violence live alone in a world of isolationand shame. These feelings of isolation and shame are common tovictims who live in the city, the suburbs, or the country; to victimswho are rich, poor, or middle class; to victims who are employed, at home, or retired; to victims who are teenage, middle age, orelderly; to victims who attend a church, a synagogue, a mosque, or have no religious affiliation.

Within each community, there are special questions and concernsthat an abused woman may face as she considers taking steps to end the abuse. Will people condemn her if she reveals what ishappening in her home? Will she be believed? What will she gainand what will she lose? What will happen to her children? Will she be safe? Can anybody help?

The Rachel Coalition was founded in 1997 toaddress the specific needs of domestic abuse in the Jewish community; however, our services areavailable to all on a non-sectarian basis. A partnership of nine agencies, under the auspices of Jewish Family Service of MetroWest, RachelCoalition’s mission is to reach out to the suburbancommunity to let people know that help is availableand that victims need not suffer alone and in silence.The Rachel Coalition offers a wide range of servicesto address domestic violence, including individualand group counseling for victims, a kosher safehouse, legal assistance, a batterers interventionprogram, and educational forums and activities.

Why this Booklet was Created

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*While we recognize that victims may be men and abusers may be women, and that there may be abuse in same-sex relationships, throughout the booklet the female genderwill be used when referring to victims and the male gender when referring to abusers.

Domestic violence is the physical, emotional, psychological, and/or sexual abuse of one person by another with whom there is a relationship. Abusers use violence and threats of violence to gainpower and control over their partners. Violence is never appropriate.Domestic violence can range from verbal harassment to homicide.

The Power and Control Wheel, shown below, was developed bydomestic violence professionals after interviews with hundreds ofvictims revealed common patterns of batterer behavior. Batterersattempt to gain power and control over their victims using a number of different strategies. Physical and sexual violence are themost extreme and frightening of the tactics that batterers use todominate their victims.

What is Domestic Violence?

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The Rachel Coalition does not work alone. New Jersey effectivelyadvocates on behalf of battered women and has one of thestrongest domestic violence laws in the country. Each county in thestate has at least one comprehensive domestic violence programoffering a hotline, a shelter, and counseling.

This booklet is an effort to provide information to help victims ofdomestic abuse. In this booklet, we explain the domestic violencelaws and the steps you can take to make the laws work for you. An extensive list of useful resources can be found beginning onpage 34. In the back pocket there is a worksheet to help you prepare for a court appearance.

Each victim of domestic violence is also a survivor who will find her own way out of the turmoil of domestic abuse — in her ownway and at her own time. Perhaps this information does not applyto you right now or may never apply at all. But we hope that youwill take this booklet and keep it somewhere safe, just in case.

And, remember, you are not the only one and you are not alone.People are here to help!

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Words of thanks from Rachel clients:

“I wish I had had this booklet when I was going through mydomestic violence situation. It would have saved me a lot oftime and effort that I put into finding out all this informationmyself.”

“I am so glad that I decided to reach out for help. Rachel wasthere for me, just a phone call away. I was blaming myselfand felt that I had scattered myself all over the place. Thanksto Rachel, I am finding myself piece by piece. The legal information was especially helpful in letting me know how toput myself back in the right direction.”

• Threatening to kill you, family members or pets

• Threatening to commit suicide

Sexual Abuse:• Rape

• Forcing or threatening to force you to perform sexual acts

• Physically attacking or injuring sexual parts of your body

Isolation:• Alienating you from or forbidding you to see or speak

with relatives/friends

• Forbidding you from working or attending school

• Disabling the car or removing car keys

• Disconnecting or not allowing use of the telephone

• Locking you in the house or in a room

Economic Abuse:• Withholding money, denying access to money, checks and

important financial documents

• Making you account for spending, checking receipts, and counting change

• Forcing you to ask for money

• Demanding that you turn over your paycheck or stealing your money

Use of Children:• Withholding help with childcare

• Threatening to take your children away from you

• Using visitation to harass you

• Telling children lies about you

• Withholding financial support for children

• Threatening to report you to child protective services

• Physically or sexually abusing you in front of the children or abusing the children in front of you

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Domestic violence is not only about physical assault. The inner sections of the wheel show other kinds of psychological tactics thatbatterers often use to gain control over their partners. Someonemay be a victim of domestic violence when the abusive partner is using any of these tactics to gain power and control in the relationship, even when there has not been physical violence.

The following are examples of abusive behavior. Do any of thesebehaviors apply to you or someone you know?

Physical:• Pushing, punching, slapping, kicking, biting, strangling

• Pulling hair, pinching, burning, cutting, whipping

• Throwing objects

• Using a weapon

Emotional/Psychological:• Making degrading remarks about you, your appearance

or your family

• Constant criticism (name calling, put-downs, ridiculing, blaming)

• Yelling, swearing, humiliating you in public

• Accusing you of flirting or having an affair

• Harassment (constant calls, checking up on you at home or work)

• Treating you like a servant

Threats and Intimidation:• Threats can be verbal, non-verbal or implied

• Pressure tactics (using guilt or accusations, threatening you that he will have an affair, turning friends/relatives against you)

• Tracking your every move; checking telephone bills; checking mileage on car

• Destroying possessions/breaking furniture

• Threatening to take children away

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Understanding the New JerseyPrevention of Domestic Violence Act

(‘The Law’)

To be legally protected against domestic violence under the New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, you must meettwo conditions.

Condition # 1: Is your relationship one that is covered by ‘The Law’?YES, IF the defendant is 18 years of age or older (or emancipated*)and

• You are 18 years of age or older (or emancipated*) and have been subjected to domestic violence by your present or former spouse or by any other person who is your present or former household member;

• You are any age and have been subjected to domestic violence by a person with whom you have a child in common or with whom you are expecting a baby;

• You are any age and have been subjected to domestic violence by a person with whom you have had a dating relationship (including same sex relationship);

• You are an elderly or disabled person who is being subjected to domestic violence by a spouse, dating or live-in partner or by any other household member, including a caregiver.

*A person is emancipated when declared so by the Court, has joined themilitary service, has married, has become a parent, or is pregnant. If the abuser is an unemancipated minor, charges should be brought inJuvenile Court

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How Children are AffectedThe entire family unit is affected by violence in the home. Children,relatives, friends and even pets are affected by domestic violence.Children who hear, witness and/or become a target of the violenceare more likely to have physical and mental health problems eitherimmediately or in the future. Children often recreate the cycle ofviolence when they learn, mistakenly, that using violence is a way tosolve problems. After experiencing the on-going violence, they maybegin to imitate the abuser’s behavior and relate to others violently.

Children who witness domestic violence are more likely to becomethe next generation of victims or abusers, use drugs and/or alcohol,run away from home, and have problems at school. Children who witness abuse do not have to be physically abused to “feel the violence.” They feel the impact of violence emotionally and psychologically without ever being physically touched and it canimpact their self-esteem.

Children may feel:

• Sad, fearful, angry and depressed

• Hopeless and powerless

• Isolated and withdrawn

• Confused and guilty

• Danger and tension in the home

If you have childrenand there is violence inyour home, please getthem help! Reach outto a local agency thatoffers counseling forchildren.

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• Criminal Mischief – Purposely damaging your personal property including your car, your home, your clothing, your pets or any other possession.

• Burglary – Entering your home or other structure without your permission with the intention of committing a crime.

• Criminal Trespass – Entering or secretly remaining in your home or other structure, such as your workplace, without permission; or peering into windows or openings of dwelling places for the purpose of invading your privacy.

• Harassment – Communicating with you anonymously or at inconvenient times, or using offensive language; engaging in any conduct to alarm or annoy you; or hitting, kicking or offensively touching or threatening to touch you.

• Stalking – Repeatedly following and/or maintaining unwanted visual or physical proximity to you, or making written contacts, including e-mail, that cause you fear of harm to yourself or your loved ones.

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Condition #2: Have any of the following acts been committed againstyou by the abuser?

Under ‘The Law,’ you are a victim of domestic violence if, inyour relationship, you have experienced any of the following:

• Homicide – Purposely, knowingly or recklessly causing or attempting to cause your death.

• Assault – Any physical attack that causes or attempts to cause you bodily injury or fear of harm, including beating(with or without a weapon), punching, slapping, kicking, choking or hair-pulling.

• Terroristic Threats – Threats to commit a crime of violence with the purpose to terrorize you; threats to kill you or someone else that reasonably put you in fear of deadly harm.

• Kidnapping – Transporting you or taking you against your will to someplace where you did not want to go, or confining you for a substantial period of time for ransom, reward or as a hostage.

• False Imprisonment – Confining you within your own home or at another location against your will.

• Criminal Restraint – Holding you in a condition of involuntary servitude or restraining you in a way that exposes you to serious bodily injury.

• Sexual Assault – Using a weapon or threat of physical force or coercion to rape you or to force unwanted sexual penetration.

• Criminal Sexual Contact – Using a weapon or threat of physical force or coercion to force unwanted sexual touching.

• Lewdness – Any flagrantly lewd or offensive act, such as exposing oneself, which would reasonably be expected to offend, embarrass, or alarm you.

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The police may arrest the abuser, even if you exhibit no visiblesigns of injury, but you have told them what has happened. Thepolice may also arrest the abuser if there is probable cause tobelieve that he has committed an act of domestic violence towardsyou. (See pages 12–13)

If you and the abuser both show signs of injury, the officer at thescene is required to assess the nature and extent of the injuries andwhether they were caused in self-defense, along with any previoushistory of reported domestic violence incidents, before determiningif anyone will be arrested. It is very important for you to tell thepolice officer if weapons were used to injure you or threaten youand where the weapons are located. Even if weapons were notused in this particular incident, it is important to tell the policeabout any weapons the abuser may have.

It is also very important for you to tell the police officer what happened, what your injuries are, and if previous acts of domesticviolence were made against you by your attacker. If there is aRestraining Order already in place, it is also important to report this information.

WHAT IF A WEAPON WAS USED DURING AN ACT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?

If a police officer at the scene has reason to believe a weapon wasused during an act of domestic violence, the officer must arrest thesuspect and seize any weapons on the premises that could exposeyou to further harm. The abuser will also be arrested even if heonly threatened to use a weapon. The officer must also sign acriminal complaint in this instance.

WHAT IF THE POLICE DON’T COME FAST ENOUGH ORREFUSE TO COME?

You must be prepared when dealing with a violent person. Youshould have access to a telephone at all times. Carry a cell phone if possible. If you don’t have a phone, try to establish a relationshipwith a neighbor or relative who will call the police for you when you need help.

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How the Police can HelpSHOULD I CALL THE POLICE?

You should call the police if you feel in danger. Domestic violence is a serious crime and the police will respond to your calls. Under thePrevention of Domestic Violence Act, it is the primary duty of thepolice officer who responds to a domestic violence call to enforcethe law and to protect the victim from abuse.

The police are required by law to help you and to give you information about your rights. The police should write a report. Theyshould advise you of your rights to file a criminal complaint and/or to obtain a Restraining Order. Be sure to tell the officer all of thedetails. Read the report carefully and correct any mistakes. Be sureto write down the officer’s name and badge number and keep it for your records.

WILL THE ABUSER BE ARRESTED?

New Jersey law requires the police to arrest the abuser if:

• You exhibit any signs of injury;

• The abuser has violated an active Restraining Order;

• There is probable cause that a weapon has been involved in the commission of the act of domestic violence;

• There is a warrant for the abuser’s arrest on any other charge.

In any of these situations, the policemust arrest the abuserand press criminalcharges even if you donot want him arrestedand even if you do notwant to file a complaint.

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Using the Legal Process for Restraining Orders

HOW CAN THE LAW HELP TO PROTECT ME IF I HAVE BEEN A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?

In New Jersey, victims of domestic violence have a right to pursuecivil remedies (a Restraining Order) or criminal penalties, or both.

A Restraining Order does not result in the abuser having a criminalrecord but it can provide greater safety for you by telling yourabuser he must stay away from you.

WHAT IS A RESTRAINING ORDER?

A restraining order is a legally enforceable document that, amongother things, prohibits the person who is abusing you from contacting you in any way. You will need to appear before a judgeor hearing officer and show that you are in danger of domestic violence and that a Restraining Order is necessary to protect yourlife, health and/or well-being.

GETTING A RESTRAINING ORDER IS A TWO-STEP PROCESS:

1. First, you apply for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) either at Family Court or at your local police department. The abuser is not present when you go to obtain a TRO. After you are issued a TRO, the police or sheriff’s officers (and not you) will attempt to serve the abuser with the TRO.

2. Within approximately 10 days, you will be scheduled to appear in Family Court at a hearing to determine whether your restraining order will be made final and converted to a Final Restraining Order (FRO).

HOW CAN I GET A TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER?

Between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday throughFriday, you can go to the court clerk in the Family Part of yourcounty’s Superior Court at the county courthouse and tell a courtemployee that you are there to request a Temporary RestrainingOrder (TRO). A Family Court intake employee will give you papers

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Remember you are not alone. It is imperative that you tell a neighbor or relative about the violence for your protection and theprotection of your children in the event that the police do not comeor do not come fast enough. If the police are taking too long torespond and you remain in danger, call your local domestic violencehotline (see pages 39–43). A worker for the domestic violence hotline can put you on hold while someone calls the police andadvocates on your behalf to respond quickly to your situation.

You should have a safety plan in the event that the police do notcome or do not come quickly enough. If all else fails, draw on yourown resourcefulness by escaping the danger, attracting attention byscreaming for help, or setting off the security alarm. (See page 30for safety plan suggestions.)

REMEMBER: You have the right to be protected by the law and the police are required to provide that protection.

Dial 911 in an emergency.

Note: 911 calls are recorded and can be used as evidence in trials.

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WHAT IF I AM DENIED A TRO?

If you are denied a TRO by a municipal court judge or by a hearingofficer, you may immediately apply (8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Mondaythrough Friday) to a Family Court judge.

WHAT DO I PUT IN THE COMPLAINT?

It is very important that you carefully read each part of the complaint before completing it. You must list all the facts of theincident that happened that made you file the complaint. For example, facts like: “hitting; punching; threatening to kill me; cursing; pulling hair; burning with cigarettes; throwing chair, knife,or fork at me; following me to work, home, school, or store” shouldbe included, if they happened. If the abuser used a weapon to hurt or attempt to hurt you, include this in the complaint. If youneeded medical treatment for your injuries, this information should also be included.

Even if you’ve never filed a complaint or reported an incidentbefore, it is very important to include previous acts of violence orabuse against you in the complaint. If the abuser has a criminal history or has been arrested previously, this information should also be included.

The intake worker or a domestic violence advocate may assist you in completing the complaint. If there is no one to help you, you canfill it out yourself. It is important to read it carefully to make sure youdon’t miss anything and that the information is accurate.

You will need the name and address of the abuser, and a description of him along with his date of birth, social security number and the name and address of his employer, if you knowthem. This information is helpful so the the complaint may beserved on the abuser.

WHERE CAN I FILE FOR A TEMPORARY RESTRAININGORDER?

You may file in the county where the domestic violence occurred,where you live, where the abuser lives, or where you are sheltered.

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to fill out and ask you to describe what happened during the mostrecent domestic violence incident as well as any prior history ofabuse. You can ask if there is someone there who can assist you in preparing the papers, which contain a complaint and statementagainst your abuser. Ask the intake person to explain what will happen when you go into the courtroom. You will testify before ahearing officer or a judge about the incident and explain why youneed a TRO.

Your county court is closed on weekdays between 4 p.m. and 8:30a.m., and on weekends and holidays. During these times you must go to your local police department to obtain a TRO through a municipal court judge. The police usually take the information forthe complaint and call a municipal court judge. The judge will speakto you on the phone about the incident and any prior history of domestic violence, and will issue a TRO if he or she thinks youare in danger.

WHAT CAN I ASK THE JUDGE FOR AT THE HEARING FOR ATEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER?

If you satisfied the requirements to get a TRO, you may ask for and the judge may order the following:

• That the abuser be temporarily forbidden from entering the home you live in. (It is important to know that you do not have to have your name on the deed or lease to request the judge to order the abuser to leave your home.)

• That the abuser be forbidden to possess any firearms or other weapon. The judge may order a search and seizure of any such weapon.

• That the abuser be temporarily forbidden from contacting you or other people that you specify, including your children.

• That your abuser be temporarily forbidden from contacting you at work.

• That you be given temporary custody of your children.

• That your abuser pay temporary child support and/or support for you.

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WHAT HAPPENS AT THE FINAL RESTRAINING ORDER (FRO)HEARING?

Usually within 10 days of the date of the TRO, you will have toappear in court for the final hearing. The abuser may also be incourt at this time and the judge will give him a chance to tell hisside of the story. There will be protection for you in the courtroom and in the courthouse. If you are fearful because theabuser is there, tell the court officer. If you need an escort toaccompany you out of the courthouse because you are afraid of the abuser, ask the court officer to provide one for you.

If your abuser does not appear in court at the final hearing, thejudge may still grant the Final Restraining Order after hearing yourtestimony, as long as there is proof that the abuser has been servednotice of the hearing. If there is no proof that the abuser has beenserved then the judge may issue an Indefinite TRO. An Indefinite TROgives you as much protection as an FRO. If the abuser is ever servedwith the TRO, then the court will notify you to appear for an FROhearing and you must go to court.

If you change your address, notify the Domestic Violence unit at the court so that you can be notified. If you do not appear in courtat the final hearing, the judge may reschedule a second hearing ormay dismiss the case. If there is a reason you can’t attend the hearing, contact the judge’s office or the domestic violence unit toinform them of the reason. If you do not appear a second time, thejudge may dismiss the case.

DO I NEED A LAWYER AT THE FINAL RESTRAINING ORDERHEARING?

You do not need a lawyer for an FRO hearing, but it is always helpful to have one with you or to get legal advice before you go tocourt. If your abuser has a lawyer, or it is a complicated case, it isadvisable to obtain counsel and bring your lawyer with you. If youappear in court without a lawyer, you may ask the judge to adjournyour case so that you may get one.

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HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO WAIT TO SEE A JUDGE?

There is no way to tell how long it will take for you to see a judgeon any particular day. Go to the courthouse as early as possible.You may have to spend an entire work day at the courthouse, sonotify your employer beforehand. Be prepared in the event yourwait is a long one. Arrange for a safe place for your children to stay while you are in court.

CAN I GET A RESTRAINING ORDER IF I AM SICK AND CONFINED TO BED OR IF I HAVE A PHYSICAL OR MENTALDISABILITY?

Yes. A judge may issue a TRO upon sworn testimony or thecomplaint of a representative of a victim who is physically or mentally incapable of filing.

WHAT IF I AM NOT A U.S. CITIZEN?

You are entitled to call the police to file a criminal complaint and to obtain a Restraining Order even if you are not a U.S. citizen. It is important that you seek legal advice from a specialist in immigration law such as American Friends or Catholic Charities(see page 44).

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER IRECEIVE A TEMPORARYRESTRAINING ORDER?

A TRO is a legal document that contains the orders of the judge. You will receive a copy that you mustkeep in your possession at all times.The police department receives acopy, the court receives a copy, and

the defendant must be served with notice of the TRO and of the datefor the final hearing. The sheriff of your county will attempt to serve the TRO to the abuser at the places where you have told them he canbe found. He must be served with the papers so that he knows hemust stay away from you, your children and others you have named in your complaint. You should give copies of the TRO to your children’sschools and other relevant parties.

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• Must stay away from you (usually established as a certain distance from your residence and place of work).

• Is prohibited from contacting you (in person, by phone or in writing) or from contacting others that you specify, such as friends or family.

• Will have any weapons confiscated from him.

In terms of living arrangements and practical needs, you may request that the judge include in the FRO:

• You, as the victim, are granted possession of the home.

• You are granted temporary custody of the children.

• The abuser must pay ongoing support to you and/or the children (as appropriate, to be established by the court’s child support intake unit).

• The abuser must pay basic financial needs (rent/mortgage payment, day care, etc.) as well as emergency expenses (medical bills, car repair, etc.)

• You are given possession of specific property, such as a car.

• The abuser must pay other compensation such as medical costs, health or car insurance, legal costs, etc.

• When and how the police must accompany the abuser back to the residence to pick up his possessions.

In terms of the needs regarding the children, if there are anychildren between the partners, the FRO can include:

• Arrangements for visitation by the noncustodial parent that are appropriate for the children and provide for the safety of the victim. You may ask the judge to order supervised visitation of the children by the court or by a third party if youare concerned for the safety of the children. You should explain your concerns about the children’s well-being to the judge. In certain cases, you may ask for suspension of all visitation pending an investigation of the abuser’s ability to parent, particularly if he has a serious substance abuse problem or has physically abused the children.

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WHAT MUST I BE PREPARED TO TELL THE JUDGE AT THEFINAL HEARING?

At the final hearing tell the judge in detail what the abuser did to youthat caused you to file for a TRO. Tell the judge if the abuser hit you,pushed you, etc., and what, if any, injuries you suffered. Also tell thejudge if he threatened you, stalked you, or harassed you. If you areafraid of the abuser, tell the judge why you are fearful. Tell the judgeabout other times when the abuser hurt you, or made you afraid, or threatened you in any way. Tell the judge if the abuser owns anyweapons, even if he has never used them against you. You shouldalso tell the judge if your children witnessed the abuse or wereabused by him themselves.

It is helpful if you can bring evidence to help support your claims of abuse. You should bring

• Witnesses to the abuse (not a letter from the witness)

• Medical reports

• Police reports, present and past

• Telephone or email messages

• Photographs of injuries

You should also tell the judge that you need support from theabuser, if he has an obligation to support you and your children.You should bring your abuser’s pay stubs and your own employment pay stubs or other proof of income, including recenttax returns, W-2s and social security statements which can be particularly useful to show the abuser’s income.

WHAT KIND OF RELIEF (HELP) CAN I SEEK IN THE FINALRESTRAINING ORDER?

The FRO can provide several kinds of help, some concerning your safety, and some concerning your practical needs, andarrangements.

In terms of your safety needs, the FRO should say that your abuser:

• Is prohibited from committing future acts of domestic violence against you.

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WHAT IF I NEED TO CHANGE MY RESTRAINING ORDER?

If circumstances have changed in any way since the court issuedthe FRO, you may wish to modify it. Examples of reasons to modifyinclude changes in:

• Custody and visitation arrangements.

• Financial needs and obligations.

• Issues that were not addressed at the original FRO hearing.

HOW DO I MODIFY MY RESTRAINING ORDER?

In order to modify your Restraining Order, you may file a Motion forModification. If you need to request an emergency change in theterms of the Restraining Order, you may file an Order to ShowCause. On either of these forms you will write out your reasons forwanting the court to review and amend your Restraining Order. Go to the domestic violence unit of the court that issued yourRestraining Order and tell the court officer what you now want todo. They will help you prepare your papers, file your motion and setup a future court date.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE A RESTRAINING ORDER ANDMY ABUSER STILL DOESN’T LEAVE ME ALONE?

A violation of the safety provisions of your Restraining Order is acrime. If your abuser seeks you out or tries to contact you in anyway (e.g., sends you a letter, calls you on the telephone, appears atyour place of work, home, school, or a restaurant where you areeating and does not immediately leave when he sees you), call thepolice immediately. Have your copy of the Restraining Order readyto show the police. Your abuser must be arrested and may be jailed.

It is very important for you to carry a copy of the Restraining Orderwith you at all times.

WHAT IF THE ABUSER DOESN’T FOLLOW THE TERMS OF THENON-SAFETY RELATED PROVISIONS OF THE RESTRAININGORDER?

If the abuser does not follow through with other items that havebeen ordered (for example, to attend counseling, to pay child support or other expenses or to abide by the terms of the visitation

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• Risk assessment, if requested by the victim, to evaluate thesafety of the children during visitation with the abuser.

In terms of treatment for the abuser:

• The judge may order the abuser to enter a batterers treatment program, a substance abuse treatment program, or get other appropriate counseling.

• The FRO may provide for a way for you to discuss the issues concerning the children with the other parent directly (for example, e-mail or text messaging) or through a third party.

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER I RECEIVE A FINAL RESTRAININGORDER?

You will receive a copy of the Final Restraining Order after the hearing. It is important to keep a copy with you at all times. TheRestraining Order is enforceable throughout the U.S.A.

It is important that you do the following:

• Review the order BEFORE you leave the courtroom. If something is wrong or missing, ask the court clerk to correct the order before you leave.

• Make several copies of the order to leave in safe places in case you need it. Keep one at your job, one at your home, one at your children’s school, with the babysitter or at the day care program.

• Give a copy to a trusted neighbor and/or friend.

• Give a copy to friends or relatives who are named and protected in the order.

• Make sure your local police have a copy of the order.

• Give a copy to the security guard where you live and/or work.

• Change locks on your residence as soon as possible.

• Change your telephone number to an unlisted number as soon as possible.

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At the same time as you file for a Restraining Order in Family Courtor at the police station, you or the police may also file criminalcharges against the abuser. If the police observe that you havebeen injured, they must arrest the abuser. If the abuser is not present or has fled the scene of the violence, the police must issuea warrant for his arrest. The police may also determine that they willmake an arrest if the abuser has committed a crime against you. If the police do not make an arrest and you want to pursue criminalcharges, you are entitled to go to your local Municipal Court and filea civilian complaint.

The criminal case filed by the police or by you individually will beheard in either your local Municipal Court or at the County Superior Court. The case will be called the “State of New Jersey vs. the Abuser.”

You will receive a notice inthe mail about the location of the court and the time anddate you are to appear. AVictim Witness Advocate maybe in the courthouse to assistyou in understanding thecriminal process. Since youmay receive mail from bothFamily and Criminal Courts,make sure you read thenotice carefully so that youknow which court to attendon which date.

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order), you may ask the court to enforce the order. Contact yourdomestic violence unit at Family Court and they will help you.

WHAT IF I DON’T ABIDE BY THE TERMS OF THE RESTRAININGORDER?

You cannot violate the terms of the Restraining Order. It is notagainst you! Only if the abuser also has a Restraining Orderagainst you, must you avoid contact with him.

Sometimes, a victim of domestic violence starts to miss her formerabusive partner or feels that she will be safe if she sees him. Shemay end up allowing contact with the abuser, such as inviting himover to her home or joining with him for a visitation outing with herchild. If something goes wrong and your partner becomes abusive,you may still call the police and they should still enforce theRestraining Order by arresting the abuser, even if you agreed tohave contact with him. The police may not hold you responsible forthe violence. The Restraining Order remains in effect unless anduntil it is dismissed by a judge.

WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND AND WANT TO DROP THERESTRAINING ORDER?

One of the ways that the New Jersey Domestic Violence Law isstronger than that of many other states is that RESTRAININGORDERS DO NOT EXPIRE!

If you want to dismiss the Restraining Order, you must go back tocourt specifically to dismiss it. Because the court system wants tomake sure that you are making this decision of your own free willand are not doing it because you are being coerced or threatenedin any way, the court will arrange for you to speak privately with alegal advocate who will explore with you your decision to dismissthe Restraining Order. You will then appear in front of a judge whomay ask you questions to ensure that you have not been coercedto dismiss it.

DO NOT agree to dismiss your Restraining Order unless you havebeen provided with the opportunity to speak to a trained domesticviolence advocate who can help you determine if this is the courseof action you truly want to take.

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Domestic Violence and theCriminal Court

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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A RESTRAINING ORDERAND A CRIMINAL COMPLAINT?

Restraining Order: When you apply for a Restraining Order you are asking the court for protection from your abuser. If the abuserviolates the no-contact portion of the Restraining Order, the abuser may be immediately arrested and brought to court.However, the issuance of a restraining order does not give theabuser a criminal record and does not cause him to go to jail unless he violates the order.

Criminal Complaint: A criminal complaint accuses the abuser ofcommitting a crime and, if he is convicted, the court may punishhim by putting him in jail, placing him on probation, requiring him to attend a batterers treatment program, pay a fine or perform community service.

IF CRIMINAL CHARGES ARE FILED, WHAT CAN I EXPECTBEFORE THE CASE GOES TO TRIAL?

After criminal charges have been filed, the abuser may be held in jail, or he may be released from custody with or without bail. The abuser’s release may include prohibiting him from having anycontact with you, BUT THIS IS NOT A RESTRAINING ORDER. If the abuser does contact you, you must have a Restraining Orderwith you to show to the police. Therefore, it is very important thatyou obtain a Restraining Order with your name on it from FamilyCourt and carry it with you at all times.

WILL I HAVE TO TESTIFY?

You should be prepared to testify if a trial is scheduled.

WILL I NEED A LAWYER TO HANDLE THESE PROCEDURES?

You do not need your own attorney in criminal court if you are thevictim since the prosecutor will handle the case. However, if a criminal complaint has also been filed against you, then you mayneed or want to have your own attorney.

Creating a Safety PlanIf you have experienced some abusive episodes, it is important to think ahead to how you will handle your need for safety shouldanother episode occur. This kind of advanced planning is called asafety plan.

A safety plan is a tool to help you identify possible ways to protectyourself and your children and family members from physicalabuse. It can increase your safety in an emergency. Whether youlive with your abuser or are separated, the measures you take toincrease your safety are the most important things you do.

It is possible that your abuser may become more dangerous whenhe realizes that you are serious about ending the relationship, soyou should be well prepared with a safety plan at the point that youdecide to leave.

Take time to develop your own plan using strategies that are usefulto you. Call a domestic violence agency for advice.

DEVELOP A SAFETY PLAN IN ADVANCE

1. Plan how you will leave your home, if you choose to leave. Practice how to get out quickly. Decide which doors, windows, stairwell, or fire escape you will need to use.

2. Plan where you will stay if you need to leave in a hurry. Make arrangements with a friend or family member beforehand. Set aside money for a motel or have the telephone number for a shelter.

3. Keep the number(s) for the nearest domestic violence hotline on hand near the telephones in your home and in your purse and car. The hotline numbers can be found in this booklet, beginning on page 36. Be sure to keep change or a calling cardon hand or in a safe place in case you need to make an emergency call from outside your home.

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4. Keep extra money and a duplicate set of car keys in a safe place where you can reach them easily.

5. Notify neighbors to contact the police if they hear a loud argument.

6. Gather and store clothing for yourself and your children in ahidden area in the house or at a friend’s or relative’s home.

7. Open a savings and/or checking account in your own name. Think of other ways in which you can increase your independence.

8. Gather important papers and other necessities and store copiesof them in a secret place away from your home:

Identification Papers

• Birth certificates

• Social Security cards

• Green Cards/Visas

• Passports

• School Records

• Driver’s License, Car Registration, Insurance Card

Legal Information

• Police Reports

• Copy of Restraining Orders

• Marriage/Divorce/Legal Papers

Financial Information

• Money/Credit Cards

• Income Tax Returns

• Wage/Income Information

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Medical Information

• Vaccination Records

• Medical Insurance Cards

• Medications/Medical Records

• Prescriptions

Other

• Set of house keys/ car keys

Leave copies of the originals with a friend or relative.

9. Obtain a cell phone. If you cannot afford cell phone service, most police departments and domestic violence programs can provide a free cell phone programmed only for emergency calls.

10. Teach your children how to call 911 for help in an emergency. Plan with your children for those times that you may not be with them.

11. Be aware that your abuser may go through your belongings if he is suspicious that you may leave. So BE CAREFUL!

12. It is especially important to prevent the abuser from having access to the children’s passports if you think there is a risk he may try to flee the country with the children.

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SAFETY DURING A VIOLENT INCIDENT

1. Leave the home immediately, if possible. Go to a safe place and then contact the police.

2. If an argument seems unavoidable, move into a room that has access to an exit or telephone. Try to avoid rooms such as the bathroom, garage, or kitchen where your abuser can use common household items as weapons.

3. Call the police (911) and/or devise a code word to use with your children, family members, or neighbors when you need the police.

4. Use your own instincts and judgment. If the situation is very dangerous, try to appease your abuser to calm the situation down. Attempt to remove yourself safely from the situation until you are out of danger.

SAFETY WHEN YOUR ABUSER NO LONGER LIVES WITH YOU

1. Change the locks on your doors as soon as possible. Purchase additional locks and/or safety devices to secure your windows. Contact your County’s Prosecutor’s Office of Victim-Witness Advocacy for further assistance in this area.

2. Change your phone numbers and add a call-screening service to your phone.

3. Obtain a cell phone. If you cannot afford cell phone service, most police departments and domestic violence programs can provide a free cell phone programmed only for emergency calls,e.g., 911.

4. Discuss the safety plan with your children for those times you may not be with them. If possible, provide them with a cell phone when they go for visits with their father or arrange alternate plans for them if they feel they are in danger.

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5. Inform neighbors/landlord that your partner no longer lives with you and that they should contact the police if they see the abuser near your home.

6. After getting a restraining order, keep it with you at all times. Keep copies at work, at the children’s schools, with a family member or friend.

7. Make safety arrangements at work, such as being walked to and from the parking lot, having your calls screened, and notifying the security guards about the potential for danger.

8. Where possible, avoid familiar locations (such as stores and restaurants) where your abuser will be likely to look for you.

BE PREPARED WITH A SAFETY PLAN BECAUSE LEAVING CAN MAKE YOUR SITUATION MORE DANGEROUS.

Ocean: 732-929-2019

Passaic: 973-247-8480

Salem: 856-935-7510 ext. 8262

Somerset: 908-231-7000

Sussex: 973-579-0630

Union: 908-659-3320 or 3321

Warren: 908-475-6167

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Where to Go for a Restraining Order

Apply for a Restraining Order in the county’s Family Court division during the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Monday – Friday).

*Please note: if it is before 8:30 a.m., after 3:30 p.m., or on weekends or court holidays, you may go to your local policestation to get a Restraining Order.

For more information regarding Domestic Violence Units in eachcounty, please call:

Atlantic: 609-345-6700

Bergen: 201-527-2700 ext. 2100

Burlington: 609-518-2645

Camden: 856-379-2200 ext. 3633 or 3644

Cape May: 609-465-1000

Cumberland: 856-453-4540 or 856-453-8090

Essex: 973-693-6840

Gloucester: 856-453-4580

Hudson: 201-217-5384 or 201-795-5670

Hunterdon: 908-237-5800

Mercer: 609-571-4000

Middlesex: 973-981-3356

Monmouth: 732-677-4050

Morris: 973-656-4342

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3. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:

Public Assistance: The Welfare Department has established special regulations to make it easier for victims of domestic violence to get benefits. Be sure to tell the agency that you are avictim of domestic violence because special rules apply. Some ofthese special provisions are:

• Emergency Assistance – This is a ‘fast track’ for getting quick approval of the application for public assistance and receiving cash benefits. You may also qualify for food stamps and medical benefits.

• Temporary Rental Assistance – For one year, the Welfare Department may provide a rent subsidy to help you pay for your housing.

Victims of Crime Compensation Board (VCCB): VCCB may provide money to domestic violence victims for such needs as:

• Moving expenses • Medical or counseling expenses• Lost wages

To qualify for this assistance, you will need to show that you have filed a criminal report on the abuse incident and you will be asked to fill out an application for VCCB’s review.

Unemployment: If you lost your job as a result of domestic violence, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits.

4. LEGAL ASSISTANCE:

There are many legal needs that a victim of domestic violence mayhave. When seeking legal assistance, it is important to ask if thelawyer has had experience and/or training regarding domesticabuse issues. There are a few legal services and nonprofit organizations that provide representation and/or legal advice forindividuals who are low income. A victim may wish to seek helpfrom a lawyer for the following:

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Services for Domestic Violence Victims

There are many services available for victims of domestic violence thatare offered throughout New Jersey, including emergency assistance,safe houses, counseling, advocacy programs, and financial and legalassistance. These types of services are described below. Contactinformation for specific organizations can be found on page 44.

1. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAMS:

• Domestic Violence Hotlines provide emergency information and support for victims all day and night, seven days a week

• Domestic Violence Shelters offer emergency housing and support for victims all day and night, seven days a week

• Legal Advocacy Programs help victims navigate the court system

2. COUNSELING SERVICES:

• For Victims: There are counseling programs throughout New Jersey that offer specialized counseling for domestic violence problems. Should you seek counseling at mental health centers, be sure to ask if the counselor has special training or experience in working with those affected by domestic violence, since not all therapists are familiar with the dynamicsof relationship abuse.

• For children: Children may suffer from feelings of anger, fear,shame, and conflicted loyalties. Some of the same resources available to provide counseling for you will also have services for children or, at least, they can refer you to programs that provide counseling for your children.

• For abusers: It is important for you to know that the most effective type of counseling for those who are abusive is a special group program known as Batterers Intervention Programs. “Couples counseling” is not a recommended form of treatment unless and until the abuser has taken responsibilityfor his abusiveness and has learned that controlling his partner is a form of abuse.

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National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE (7233)TTY: 800-787-3224

New Jersey State Domestic Violence Hotline 800-572-SAFE (7233)

Each county in New Jersey has a primary domestic violenceagency with provides a 24-hour hotline, a shelter, counseling,legal advocacy, and other services.

Atlantic County

ATLANTIC COUNTY WOMEN’S CENTEREmergency Shelter 24-hour Hotline: 609-646-6767Tollfree: 1-800-286-4184 TTY: 609-645-2909

Bergen County

SHELTER OUR SISTERS Emergency Shelter 24-hour Hotline: 201-944-9600 TTY: 201-836-3071

ALTERNATIVES TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Bergen County Department of Human Services24-hour Hotline: 201-336-7575 TTY: 201-336-7525

Burlington County

PROVIDENCE HOUSE/WILLINGBORO SHELTEREmergency Shelter 24-hour Hotline: 609-871-7551 TTY: 609-871-7551

Domestic Violence Hotlines• Final Restraining Order Hearing

• Custody and Child Support

• Divorce

• Immigration: Victims of domestic violence who are undocumented are provided with the same legal protections against abuse as citizens. However, it is crucial to consult withan immigration attorney if you have any immigration issues.

5. OTHER PROGRAMS:

• Address Confidentiality Program: New Jersey has establisheda statewide program for domestic violence victims whereby thevictim uses as her address a post office box that is maintainedby the New Jersey State Department on Women. All mail is then forwarded by the agency to an unpublished location.

• Social Security Number Change: In some cases the U.S. government allows the victim to change her social security number.

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Camden County

CAMDEN COUNTY WOMEN’S CENTEREmergency Shelter 24-hour Hotline: 856-227-1234TTY: 856-227-9264

Cape May County

CARA, INC. (COALITION AGAINST RAPE & ABUSE, INC.) Emergency Shelter 24-hour Hotline: 609-522-6489 Tollfree:1-877-294-2272 (CARA)TTY: 609-463-0818

Cumberland County

CUMBERLAND COUNTY WOMEN’S CENTEREmergency Shelter 24-hour Hotline: 856-691-3713 Tollfree: 1-800-286-4353TTY: 856-691-6024

Essex County

FAMILY VIOLENCE PROGRAM/BABYLANDEmergency Shelter 24-hour Hotline: 973-484-4446TTY: 973-497-5510

THE SAFE HOUSEEmergency Shelter 24-hour. Hotline: 973-759-2154

THE RACHEL COALITION c/o JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE24-hour Emergency Paging Service: 973-740-1233

Gloucester County

SERVICES EMPOWERING THE RIGHTS OF VICTIMS (SERV)Emergency Shelter 24-hour Hotline: 856-881-3335Tollfree: 866-295-7378TTY: 856-881-9365

Hudson County

WOMENRISING, INC. Emergency Shelter 24-hour Hotline: 201-333-5700TTY: 201-333-0547

Hunterdon County

SAFE IN HUNTERDON Emergency Shelter 24-hour Hotline: 908-788-4044Tollfree: 1-888-988-4033 TTY:1-866-954-0100

Mercer County

WOMANSPACE, INC.Emergency Shelter 24-hour Hotline: 609-394-9000State Hotline: 1-800-572-SAFE (7233)TTY: 1-888-252-7233

Middlesex County

WOMEN AWARE, INC. Emergency Shelter 24-hour Hotline: 732-249-4504

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Monmouth County

180 TURNING LIVES AROUND INC. Emergency Shelter 24-hour Hotline: 732-264-4111Tollfree: 888-843-9262 TTY: 732-264-3089

Morris County

JERSEY BATTERED WOMEN’S SERVICES, INC. (JBWS) Emergency Shelter 24-hour Hotline: 973-267-4763TTY: 973-285-9095

Ocean County

PROVIDENCE HOUSE — OCEANEmergency Shelter 24-hour Hotline: 732-244-8259Tollfree: 1-800-246-8910 TTY: 732-244-8259

Passaic County

PASSAIC COUNTY WOMEN’S CENTER Emergency Shelter 24-hour Hotline: 973-881-1450TTY: 973-278-8630

Salem County

SALEM COUNTY WOMEN’S SERVICES Emergency Shelter 24-hour Hotline: 856-935-6655 Tollfree: 1-888-632-9511TTY: 856-935-7118

Somerset County

RESOURCE CENTER FOR WOMEN AND THEIR FAMILIESEmergency Shelter 24-hour Hotline: 1-866-685-1122 TTY: 908-359-8604

Sussex County

DOMESTIC ABUSE SERVICES, INC. Emergency Shelter 24-hour Hotline: 973-875-1211 (Collect Calls Accepted)TTY: 973-875-6369

Union County

PROJECT: PROTECTEmergency Shelter 24-hour Hotline: 908-355-4357 TTY: 908-355-1023

Warren County

DOMESTIC ABUSE & RAPE CRISIS CENTER (DARCC) Emergency Shelter 24-hour Hotline: 908-475-8408 Tollfree: 1-866-6BE-SAFE (1-866-623-7233)TTY: 908-453-2553

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Domestic Violence Website Resources

Rachel Coalition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.rachelcoalition.org

Partners for Women and Justice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.pfwj.org

NCJW Center for Women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.ncjwessex.org

Family Violence Prevention Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.fvpf.org

National Council Against Domestic Violence . . . . . . www.ncadv.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.ndvh.org

National Center on Elder Abuse . . . . . . . www.elderabusecenter.org

American Bar Association Commission on Domestic Violence . . . . . www.abanet.org/domviol

New Jersey Bar Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.njsbf.org

New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women . . . . . . . . www.njcbw.org

Violence Against Women Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.vawnet.org

WomensLaw.org. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.womenslaw.org

Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . minacava@umn.edu

If you do not own your own computer or have access to one, go to your public library.

Safety Alert: Computer use can be monitored. If you are afraid that your home computer might be monitored, please use a safercomputer, such as one at a library, or call your local hotline or theNational Domestic Violence hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233)

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Statewide ResourcesLegal Services and Consultations

Partners for Women and Justice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .973-233-0111

Legal Services of New JerseyDV Representation Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .888-576-5529

Seton Hall Center for Social Justice . . . . . . . . . . . . . .973 642-8700

Community Health Law Project (persons with disabilities/elderly) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .973-275-1175

New Jersey State Bar Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .732 249-5000

Jersey Battered Women’s Services . . . . . . . .973-267-7520 ext. 259

NCJW Women’s Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .973-994-4994

Immigration Legal Services and Consultations

American Friends Immigration Rights Program . . . . . .973-643-1924

Catholic Charities Immigration Services . . . . . . . . . . .973-733-3516

Legal Services of New Jersey Immigration Rights Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .888-576-5529

La Casa de Don Pedro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .973-481-4713

State-Wide Services

Victims of Crime Compensation Board (VCCB) . . . . .800-242-0804

New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women . . . . . . . . .609-584-8107

Project Sarah (Orthodox Jewish community) . . . . . . .973-777-7638

Manavi (South Asian community) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .732-435-1414

New Jersey Division on Women—Prevention of Violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .609-292-8840

Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) . . . . . .800-792-8610

Adult Protective Services (Elderly) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-792-8820

National Sexual Assault Hotline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-656-4673

New Jersey Mental Health Association . . . . . . . . . . .973-571-4100

RACHEL COALITION SERVICESLEGAL SERVICES

• Legal Consultation/Representation Domestic Violence• Court Advocacy• Legal Referral

CRISIS INTERVENTION

• 24-hour crisis response line 973-740-1233• Case Management• Transitional Housing

COUNSELING/EVALUATION

• Individual• Family• Batterers Group for Men

COMMUNITY SERVICES

• Speakers Bureau• Volunteer Training

• Community Forums to Raise Awareness

For more information, call 973-765-9050.

LEGAL SERVICES

• Legal Advice/Representation Domestic Violence• Legal Advice/Representation Divorce• Legal Advice/Representation Custody, Visitation, Support• Workshops/Clinics in Family Law and Domestic Violence• Pro Bono Lawyer Training

COMMUNITY SERVICES

• Workshops/Clinics in Financial Literacy• Domestic Violence Advocacy• Women’s Issues Advocacy

For more information, call 973-233-0111.

PARTNERS FOR WOMEN AND JUSTICE