According to some sources, there is a 20% increase in domestic violence incidents requiring police intervention during the month of December. Several stressors contribute to this uptick:
- Financial stress associated with buying gifts and hosting holiday gatherings
- Psychological and emotional factors, including the pressure to be upbeat or the anticipation of family interactions
- Increased drinking or substance use, which can impair judgment and relax inhibitions
- Limited access to support systems caused by reduced hours and/or staff
- Family dynamics, which can provoke or inhibit behaviors related to abusive relationships, or even normalize the signs
- Illusion of a well-adjusted relationship, which can dampen the urgency to leave.
The fact is domestic violence is a serious problem in this country and New Jersey residents are not immune. Since 1989, October has been designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month with the goal of educating the public about the signs of domestic abuse, increasing support for survivors, and advocating for victims’ rights.
The Statistics
In the U.S., it’s been reported that one in four women and one in seven men aged 18 and older experience domestic violence at some point. What’s more, domestic violence has been identified as the largest contributor to the country’s homelessness issue.
In New Jersey, reported domestic violence cases have been rising over the past 10 years. It’s been estimated that an act of domestic violence is committed every 7.29 minutes in this state. One of the leading factors contributing to this is said to be a lack of affordable housing, leaving survivors of abusive relationships with nowhere to go.
There are many forms of domestic abuse, ranging from intimidation to emotional abuse to physical assault, which can sometimes result in fatalities. In 2023, there were 57 domestic violence-related deaths reported in New Jersey, representing a 46% increase from 2019.
What to Expect If Charged with Domestic Violence
In New Jersey, penalties for domestic violence vary depending on the severity of the related offense. The charges range from Disorderly Persons offenses, which carry penalties of up to 180 days in jail; 4th degree, which can carry penalties of up to 18 months in state prison; 3rd degree, which can carry penalties up to 5 years in prison; 2nd degree, which can carry up to 10 years in prison; to 1st degree, which can carry penalties of up to 20 years in prison or more, if convicted.
In addition to the sentences mentioned above, those accused of domestic violence face other consequences, including:
- loss of custody or visitation rights where children are involved
- fines and/or probation
- damage to personal and professional reputations, which can impact chances of securing housing or employment, or of developing future relationships
Turning Back the Trend
Efforts are being made to reduce the occurrence of domestic violence in the State. Those efforts include:
- Promoting a better understanding of what domestic violence is – a matter of coercion or control – so potential victims can recognize the signs before they reach the physical stage, and alleged abusers can identify behaviors that they may want to change.
- Increasing sources of relief for victims pertaining to final restraining orders to better protect victims from their abusers
- Allowing the transfer of billing and responsibilities for a cell phone number so survivors have consistency of a number that can be used for such things as housing and job applications, access to utility and banking accounts, storing information, all of which help ease their transition out of an abusive relationship.
Domestic violence is a serious offense for all involved. Victims are urged to seek community and legal support, while those accused should contact an attorney for help with their defense.