The online news source NJ.com updated an article on 1-30-24 discussing how coercive control is now a legal category in domestic violence cases under New Jersey law. The legislation was first introduced in the state Assembly in January 2022. The bill then passed the state Senate and was signed into law in January of 2024 by Governor Phil Murphy.

Formerly, coercive control was not a recognized form of domestic abuse and constituted a grey area in the law. Now, it will be easier to use the legally defined category of coercive control in receiving restraining orders against an abuser and in child custody cases.

Courts in New Jersey will now consider patterns of coercive control when issuing a restraining order in domestic violence cases. Some of these coercive patterns include isolating a victim from friends and family, controlling a victim's movements, controlling a victim's communications, depriving a victim of daily necessities, or controlling a victim's finances.

Coercive control is often seen as the underpinning and key ingredient of domestic violence, and the passage of the coercive control bill means increased safety for victims in New Jersey. One of the primary sponsors of the bill, Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, stated: “ I've heard from women who lived in fear, isolated and cut off from family and friends by an abusive partner. This controlling behavior deprives an individual of their independence. For instance, abusers might monitor a victim's communications or make that person completely dependent on them financially. Now victims will have added protection under the law.”

Who Is a Victim of Domestic Violence in New Jersey?

Under New Jersey law, a domestic violence victim can include:

• A current or former spouse
• A person who has had a dating or intimate relationship with the victim
• A person who is a father or mother to the victim's child
• A current or former household member, such as immediate family members

What Is the Quickest Form of Legal Relief in a Domestic Violence Case?

A restraining order is the fastest form of legal relief for a victim of domestic violence. A restraining order is a court-ordered document that compels the abuser to refrain from contact or interaction with the victim. In New Jersey, there are two types of these orders. A temporary restraining order is granted on an emergency and temporary basis if the immediate safety of the victim is in question. A full or permanent restraining order is negotiated in court with both the plaintiff and defendant present, each representing their own position in the case.

Get the Legal Help You Need Today in a Domestic Violence Situation

If you or a loved one are struggling with coercive control by an abuser or other types of domestic violence, know that you are not alone. It is essential to get the legal help you need to remove yourself from a dangerous pattern of domestic violence and seek out the professional services of the Lento Law Firm Family Law Team today. The dedicated professionals at the Lento Law Firm are familiar with all aspects of domestic violence issues in New Jersey. They will stand by you and work diligently to secure a restraining order on your behalf and safeguard all your legal rights and remedies. Contact us today at 888-535-3686 or through our online form.