Domestic violence still a major issue in New Jersey

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and unfortunately, it’s still a major problem in the state of New Jersey. According to the New Jersey State Police’s most recent domestic violence report, there were 64,556 offenses in New Jersey in 2013. Of these incidents, only 31 percent ended in an arrest. Meanwhile, murders involving domestic abuse cases had increased by 13 percent from 2012.

Domestic abuse is a horrible offense and New Jersey is attempting to curb the violence. In August, Governor Chris Christie had signed a bill that requires anyone charged with domestic violence to enter a guilty plea before entering into any pretrial intervention programs which are intended to cut down on jail time. In addition, first-time offenders can receive jail time if found guilty.

Every Friday throughout the month of October, the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone will be addressing the issue of domestic violence in New Jersey and offer tips on how to protect you and your family. If you are currently a victim, here’s a few organizations that can help you escape your situation:

• New Jersey Division of Children and Families’ Division on Women
• The New Jersey Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline
• New Jersey Coalition of Battered Women
• WomenRising, Inc.

If you are a victim of domestic abuse and need legal help or to obtain a restraining order, contact us today. We’ve been helping domestic violence victims in New Jersey for more than 26 years.