Restraining Orders

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)