The Silent Epidemic
Domestic violence is a silent epidemic. For many, it’s easier to turn away and ignore the problem than to
confront it. But at the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone, we stand up for abuse victims and make sure they can safely escape the situation.
For more than 35 years, New Jersey domestic violence lawyer Anthony Carbone has aggressively represented victims of domestic abuse in the courtroom. He understands how sensitive these cases can be and know how complicated they can get. That’s why Attorney Carbone treats every case with the sensitivity it deserves. He will be your voice and make sure your abuser will never hurt you again.
What is Considered Domestic Violence?
According to New Jersey law, domestic violence is defined as abusive behavior by one intimate partner against another. That behavior can be physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. It can also be just the threat of violence against your partner. The frequency and severity changes from case to case.
Domestic violence is a serious crime. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men 18 and older have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime. In its annual report, the New Jersey State Police stated that it had 63,420 domestic violence reports in 2016, an increase over 2015 numbers. The majority of victims are female; however, what’s a more depressing statistic is children were either actively involved or present in 28 percent of domestic violence offenses in 2016.
It’s not only married couples that experience domestic violence. In New Jersey, 15 percent of reported domestic violence offenses in 2016 involved a dating relationship.
The Cycle of Domestic Violence
Once you’re in the cycle of domestic violence, it can be complicated to break. The victim is taught to believe that if he/she leaves or calls the police, the aggressor may take the children away in a custody action.
The victim may be reliant on the aggressor to pay the household expenses. Beliefs such as these can make the victim’s decision to leave or call the police unfeasible. Living in an abusive relationship has been termed the cycle of violence. This cycle has three stages which continuously rotate:
- Tension building – phase one starts off innocent enough. The aggressor may start to exhibit signs of abuse such as denigration, isolation, and constant criticism. Nothing too severe just yet.
- The acute explosion – As phase one evolves, a triggering event sets off the abuse. The victim should look for specific characteristics of an aggressor, such as verbal abuse and threats.
- The honeymoon period – Following the explosion comes the conciliation period. The aggressor acknowledges his/her actions, expresses sorrow, and ask for forgiveness. Your abuser wants to make up and becomes loving and nurturing. But soon enough, the cycle begins again.
Domestic Abuse is a Crime in New Jersey
Under the New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, the following criminal charges fall under the category of domestic violence:
- Homicide
- Assault
- Terroristic Threats
- Kidnapping
- Criminal restraints
- False imprisonment
- Sexual assault
- Criminal sexual contact
- Lewdness
- Criminal Mischief
- Burglary
- Criminal Trespass
- Harassment
- Stalking
- Criminal Coercion
- Robbery
- Contempt of Domestic Violence Order
- Cyber Harassment
- Crimes involving risk of death or serious bodily injury
The police are required by law to arrest a suspect for domestic violence if a victim either shows or claims that injury has occurred. The police may arrest a person if there is probable cause that an act of domestic violence has been committed, even if the victim doesn’t claim an injury. The police may determine if an emergency temporary restraining order is necessary to protect the victim from any further acts of violence.
What About Restraining Orders?
Ignore reports that restraining orders don’t help. Violating the terms of an order of protection in New Jersey can be more severe than the original charges. A conviction can result in jail and a criminal record, loss of joint custody, and severe restrictions on visitation.
If nothing else, restraining orders can give you and your family peace of mind, knowing that your abuser will face criminal charges if he/she violates the restraining order.
Learn more about how to obtain one.
What Are Your Legal Options in New Jersey?
Once you get away from your abuser, you may not know what legal options are available to you. Other than filing a restraining order, what can you do to protect you and your loved one? There are two parts to the domestic violence process in New Jersey, and both have serious consequences for violators:
- The family court case can lead to permanent restraining orders that will protect you and your family from your abuser.
- The criminal charges against the abuser can result in jail, fines, and other penalties.
New Jersey domestic violence lawyer Anthony Carbone works quickly and fights hard to make sure you and your family safe by:
- Proving the abuse against you meets the criteria for domestic violence.
- Making sure you receive sole custody and support of your children.
- File for the permanent restraining order, so the victim avoids facing his/her abuser in court.
If you were severely injured, you might be able to file a personal injury claim against your abuser to pay the medical bills and pain and suffering. Most of all, our domestic violence attorney will make sure you will never be hurt again by your attacker.
Hire an Experienced New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer Now!
New Jersey domestic violence lawyer Anthony Carbone is in court nearly every day. As a lifelong resident of New Jersey, he knows the ins and outs of the court system to give you the best representation for your case.
Attorney Carbone can come to your defense on short notice, including evenings and weekends. He will make sure you get a restraining order, have sole custody of your children, and the abuser never hurts you again.
If you are a domestic violence victim in Jersey City, Newark, Elizabeth, Hackensack, or anywhere else in New Jersey, now is the time to act. Contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone immediately at 201-733-2230 for a free initial consultation with our domestic violence attorney. Remember, you are not alone in this. If you have questions about domestic violence in New Jersey, click here.
