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Legal Information: New Jersey

Restraining Orders

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Updated: 
January 8, 2024

What is the legal definition of domestic violence in New Jersey?

This section defines domestic violence for the purposes of getting a restraining order. Domestic violence is when an adult, or an emancipated minor, who has the relationship to you that is described here commits one of the following crimes against you:

  1. homicide;
  2. assault;
  3. terroristic threats;
  4. kidnapping;
  5. criminal restraint;
  6. false imprisonment;
  7. sexual assault;
  8. criminal sexual contact;
  9. lewdness;
  10. criminal mischief;
  11. burglary;
  12. criminal trespass;
  13. harassment;
  14. cyberharassment;
  15. stalking;
  16. criminal coercion;
  17. robbery;
  18. contempt of a domestic violence order, which constitutes a crime or disorderly persons offense (see section “b” of the statute); or
  19. any other crime involving risk of death or serious bodily injury.1

Note: An emancipated minor is someone who is under 18 but who has been married, has entered military service, has a child, is pregnant or has been emancipated by a court.2

If you are a victim of sexual assault and do not have a relationship with the abuser, you may be eligible for a sexual assault restraining order.

1 N.J. Stat. § 2C:25-19(a)
2 N.J. Stat. § 2C:25-19(e)