Domestic Violence

(609) 909-7791

The Domestic Violence Unit of the Prosecutor's Office is responsible for prosecuting domestic violence cases in both the Family and Criminal Courts.   Violations of restraining orders and the forfeiture of firearms under the Domestic Violence Act are handled in the Family Court.    Criminal acts perpetrated upon victims of domestic violence are prosecuted in the Criminal Court in Mays Landing.

The unit's goal is two-fold:   first, to prosecute the domestic violence offender to punish him for his acts as well as to rehabilitate him to prevent future acts;    second, to protect and counsel victims of domestic violence in the effort to break the cycle of abuse.

All domestic violence complaints are referred to the Domestic Violence Unit for investigation.   When the complaint involves a violation of a domestic violence restraining order by harassing conduct, an arraignment and trial occur in the Family Court.   Bail hearings are also heard by a Family Court Judge.   All other domestic violence complaints involving crimes are reviewed to determine whether the charge will be remanded to the Municipal Court for prosecution or presented to a grand jury for considerstion of an indictment.   Prior to this decision, all victims are contacted and all supporting evidence gathered and reviewed.   If a defendant is indicted for crimes against a victim of domestic violence, the case is prosecuted in Superior Court.    All victims are counseled through each step of the process.   Bail hearings involving these cases are also handled by the unit before a Criminal Court Judge in Mays Landing.