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Identifying An Abusive Relationship

Domestic violence occurs when an individual commits acts intended to harm or instill fear in another when a special relationship is present. This special relationship can involve current or former intimate partners, or household members.  The abuse is not only physical, but can be verbal, and may include sexual assault, threats, financial control, and/or isolation.

Domestic violence is nationally recognized as a public health issue and causes serious health-related consequences.  Victims and survivors may experience physical injuries like broken bones or head trauma, and endure long term effects due to chronic stress and anxiety.

 

Help Is Available

Each county offers services for domestic violence victims.  
Click here for DCF's Domestic Violence Services

New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence (NJCEDV)
Toll Free Statewide Hotline: 1 (800) 572-SAFE (7233)
Phone: 609-584-8107
Web: www.NJCEDV.org
The New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence (NJCEDV) is a statewide coalition of domestic violence service programs and concerned individuals whose purpose and mission is to end domestic violence in New Jersey. NJCEDV performs its work through advocacy for survivors of domestic violence; collaboration with state agencies and its member programs; education and training; and technical assistance for its members and the community.

New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline
Toll Free: 1 (800) 572-SAFE (7233)
The New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline is available statewide 24-hours a day/seven days a week. It serves domestic violence victims and others seeking domestic violence information. The Hotline is a bilingual service and accessible to the deaf and hard of hearing.

State Office of Victim-Witness Advocacy
Phone: (609) 896-8855

Web: www.njvw.org/index.html
As a crime victim or a witness, you have certain rights in the criminal justice system.  Victim-witness advocacy services help make your participation in the criminal justice system less stressful and more informed.  Services from the Office of Victim-Witness Advocacy are available in county prosecutors' offices.

New Jersey Address Confidentiality Program
Toll Free: 1 (877) 218-9133

The New Jersey Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) provides eligible domestic violence victims a substitute mailing address that does not reveal their location. This service is important for victims forced to relocate for safety. First class mail is forwarded without charge.

New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Toll-Free Hotline: 1 (800) 601-7200
Phone: (609) 631-4450
Web: www.njcasa.org
The New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NJCASA) is the statewide advocacy and capacity building organization that represents the twenty-one county-based rape crisis centers, and the Rutgers University Office of Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance. NJCASA elevates the voice of sexual violence survivors and service providers by advocating for survivor-centered legislation, training allied professionals, and supporting statewide prevention strategies that work to address and defy the socio-cultural norms that permit and promote rape culture.

New Jersey Adult Protective Services Providers
Web:
http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/doas/home/adultpsp.html
If you know someone 18 years of age or older who is subject to abuse, neglect, or exploitation, contact your county Adult Protective Services (APS) office.  An APS investigation is a thorough assessment of a potential at-risk adult. Within 72 hours of a referral's receipt, a face-to-face meeting with the adult by a trained APS social worker is required. During this meeting the potential client is interviewed in private. Every effort is made to determine the competence of the adult. Other individuals or agencies that have knowledge of the situation may also be interviewed. When the investigation is complete a report is submitted to the APS Supervisor who will then consult with the social worker and determine if the adult is at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation. All information generated by the investigation is confidential.

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