Police in Camden County, New Jersey, have shared data revealing a significant increase in the number of domestic violence incidents reported to the police. Between 2016 and 2020, the number of domestic violence incidents within the city of Camden jumped from 2,450 in 2016 to 2,871 in 2020. While data on the years since 2020 has yet to be released, Camden County Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor claims the numbers are still increasing.

These findings are hardly a surprise; incidents of domestic violence spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial struggles and substance abuse disorders are drivers of domestic violence, both of which were more prevalent and exacerbated by the pandemic. Even in the years following the pandemic, the National Domestic Violence Hotline CEO, Katie Ray-Jones, stated their contact volume remained up 25 percent compared to pre-COVID-19 volumes.

Domestic violence can happen to anyone. When you think of domestic violence, you may be thinking of a weak woman or child and an angry drunk man, like the typical domestic violence we see on TV every day. But domestic violence can happen to anyone and be inflicted by even the most upstanding appearing citizens. If you are a victim of domestic violence, the Lento Law Firm Family Law Team is here for you. Our team will walk you through your legal options to ensure your safety; call us today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is certain acts of violence where the victim and the abuser have some form of domestic relationship. In New Jersey, for the act of violence to constitute domestic violence, the parties must have one of the following types of relationship with each other:

• A current or former spouse
• A current or former household member, for example, immediate family members living in a shared home
• A person who shares a child with the victim
• Any person with a romantic or intimate relationship with the victim

Acts of violence that can fall under the category of domestic abuse include, but are not limited to:

• Assault
• Sexual assault
• False imprisonment
• Kidnapping
• Harassment
• Lewdness
• Stalking
• Cyberstalking

What Are My Legal Options as a Victim of Domestic Violence?

Restraining orders are one of the most effective legal remedies for domestic violence. You may also want to pursue criminal charges, but your Lento Law Firm attorneys will discuss the differences between restraining orders and criminal charges and why a restraining order may be your best first course of action. Your Lento Law Firm attorneys may recommend filing a request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) with the court. A TRO will become effective immediately, and your abuser will not be notified until after the judge grants your TRO. After the TRO is granted, your Lento Law Firm attorneys will prepare your case for a final restraining order and fight at this hearing on your behalf to ensure the court-ordered restrictions against your abuser become permanent. Your Lento Law Firm attorneys will walk you through the entire New Jersey restraining order process so you are comfortable every step of the way.

How the Lento Law Firm Family Law Team Can Help

Being a victim of domestic abuse can be an incredibly isolating experience, but you don't have to go through this alone. At the Lento Law Firm, our experienced Family Law Team wants to support you through all the legal aspects of protecting yourself from your abuser. When the Lento Law Firm Family Law Team carries the weight of your New Jersey domestic violence legal issues, you can work on healing yourself. To schedule a consult with our Family Law Team, call 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form.