Today, domestic violence is one of the most prevalent issues affecting the lives of thousands of New Jersey households—a key reason awareness and action are more vital than ever.
With The Prevention of Domestic Violence Act enacted in full force, family members suffering from an uncontrollable cycle of abuse, torture, and control can now seek refuge from related concerns. As a far cry from the complacency of earlier generations of law enforcement, the efforts of today’s officers and government officials are set on creating safer environments for families of all sizes and ages.
If you find yourself in the midst of experiencing abuse or domestic violence at home, you must seek help as soon as possible. However, along the way, you’ll most likely end up requiring as much relief as possible through the help of a restraining order so that you can keep yourself and your affected family member safe from your abuser.
Fortunately, this is where the different forms of relief offered by The New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act can help you seek the necessary refuge that you need.
The different forms of relief that New Jersey’s act can provide
Among the different things you’ll need to worry about whenever you find yourself in a domestic violence case, attaining relief for protection is the main aspect that you should prioritize above all else. Through the help of the Act mentioned above, you’ll be able to do just that because it affords you the opportunity to seek the following opportunities:
Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs) and Final Restraining Orders (FROs)
With the Domestic Violence Act, you can establish the necessary distance for thorough protection because it allows you to seek a TRO or a FRO, depending on the severity of the case itself.
When you seek one of these two restraining orders, law enforcement prohibits the offender from contacting the victim in any manner. Regardless if it is in-person contact, electronic messaging, or third-party communication, you won’t have to worry about interacting with your abuser in a way that may put you or your affected loved ones at risk.
Through the help of Temporary and Final Restraining Orders, you have the opportunity to seek the immediate removal of an abuser from your home and bar them from returning. It is also worth noting that this process still applies even if they own the residence and have nowhere else to seek shelter!
Financial Support
Another form of relief that you may be able to seek under the Domestic Violence Act is financial support that will allow you to get by for a full recovery.
When it is proven that your abuser is guilty of their crimes, the Act will authorize the court to award you with monetary support immediately after sentencing. Covering different resulting issues, you can seek financial compensation for various expenses that you may have incurred during the abuse period, such as:
- Loss of earnings
- Out-of-pocket expenses for any injuries
- Property damage
- Attorney fees
- Moving expenses
- Counseling costs
- Compensation for any pain and suffering
Child support
With the enacted law in question, parents who are victims of domestic violence at home are allowed to seek further financial protection when a judge executes an order compelling the defendant-parent to pay child support.
Considering that both parents of a child must financially support their children (under New Jersey Law), an abusive parent will still be obliged to pay for child support even if they are barred from seeing them. Once a final decision is made, courts will enact and utilize child support guidelines that help outline how much a child must receive in support. Typically, a final figure is reached by using a formula based on predetermined factors!
Conclusion
Dealing with domestic violence is never an easy experience because of the additional risks and dangers involved. But today, you can seek action and refuge with the New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act. By getting in touch with a lawyer right away and using the act to your advantage, you’ll be able to put up a fight and protect your loved ones with various forms of relief!
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