As a family law firm with experience in domestic violence cases in NJ, Zeigler Law Group, LLC, can tell you that abuse happens in every demographic and to every type of person, family, or economic level. It is the ideal time to have a conversation that is not always easy to have, but one that is crucial to bring to the community’s attention.
Understanding the Impact of Abuse
An important part of bringing awareness is demonstrating what domestic abuse is, where it happens, and what it involves. It does not always involve physical injury to another person. It can be emotionally damaging, including painful comments and implications intended to harm a person’s emotional well-being. It can include verbal abuse through hateful and degrading statements that, over time, victims believe. It may include financial abuse as well, including limitations on finances or abuse of your financial well-being. In some situations, abuse can include psychological pain and trauma.
Children who witness domestic violence occurring to others within their household are victims as well. They may suffer long-term trauma as a result of what they see, even if they do not experience it firsthand.
For an abused spouse, the ongoing trauma often involves fear, isolation, and financial control. This makes it hard to see help for abused women in New Jersey. Yet, you need to know that there is help even in the worst of situations.
Abuse Can Happen in Any Family – Even Wealthy or High-Profile Households
Domestic violence impacts families across all income levels, professions, and social statuses. That is one of the most important factors to consider. It is not a condition or situation that impacts other people. It happens within all areas and neighborhoods. Wealth, status, or public image do not protect someone from being a victim or a perpetrator of abuse. It is a misconception to think that this is someone else’s problem.
For those in high-net-worth situations, the risk of complications is significant. Survivors may face numerous unique challenges, including:
- Financial Manipulation: Including threats of limiting access to financial support, so critical to maintaining your life.
- Public Scrutiny: Including just how damaging threats of public ruin can be for some people.
- Media Exposure: Often a reason in itself for survivors to forgo getting the help they desperately need and deserve, believing there is no way to prevent the negative outcome.
Our firm has experience working with individuals in complex and high-asset divorces to navigate abuse-related issues. We do so with a focus on your needs. That includes full discretion and security. You can expect our legal team to listen to your concerns and work with you to navigate around them to the fullest extent allowed under the law.
How New Jersey Laws Protect Domestic Violence Victims
One of the most important factors for you to know is that there is help, no matter how challenging it may seem right now. The Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (PDVA) is a valuable tool that safeguards victims. This law defines domestic violence as committing one of 19 separate criminal offenses against another person who has a relationship with the perpetrator. This includes a wide range of threats, including cyberstalking, acts of harassment, and physical harm. Gender is not a factor in the issuing of protection.
However, PDVA lets an alleged victim of domestic violence obtain a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the defendant by requesting one. A final restraining order (FRO) is available but requires evidence and a hearing. Obtaining restraining orders in New Jersey family court can be crucial in protecting yourself from the risks posed by others. These protections safeguard you from coming into contact with individuals who pose a threat to your safety.
Additionally, note that emergency protections for children can also be implemented. That includes custody and relocation options when there is a risk. If you need help navigating custody and domestic violence in NJ, we strongly recommend speaking to our legal team immediately.
Legal Options for Survivors
What is the reality of what you can do now if you are facing injuries and risks to your safety?
- File for divorce or separation. It is a critical step in changing your future. We can help you do so while protecting your safety and confidentiality.
- Emergency custody filing. In situations where there are children involved, seeking emergency custody, child support, and spousal support orders are very effective and accessible steps for you to take.
- Long-term support planning service. Our legal team can help you with financial independence planning, ensuring you have safe housing, and providing access to protections you deserve.
Helping Children Exposed to Abuse
All courts in New Jersey prioritize the best interests of the child in custody matters. That includes parenting time decisions. Our legal team will use the laws available to demonstrate the risks to a child when it comes to child abuse, neglect, or the risk of harm. This includes providing access to only supervised visitation or even taking steps for no-contact orders.
You will also work with counselors, guardians, and advocates to support not only your recovery but also that of your children. Creating a stable and safe environment for them is one of the steps we take to protect you. Child protection in divorce in NJ is our priority.
Read more: How a Divorce Lawyer Can Help You Protect Yourself from Domestic Violence.
Contact a Toms River Divorce Lawyer at Zeigler Law Group, LLC for Legal Help
We provide trauma-informed legal representation to every person. That ensures you always receive compassionate, discreet, and skilled legal support for delicate situations. Speak with a Toms River divorce lawyer at Zeigler Law Group, LLC to learn more and schedule a free consultation. Call 732-361-4827 to contact us online today. Located in Toms River, Red Bank, Princeton, and Mount Laurel, New Jersey, we serve clients in Ocean County, Monmouth County, Mercer County, and Burlington County.