1. Victim and Witness Rights
- New Jersey Office of the Attorney General – Victim & Witness Services
Explains crime victim rights, compensation programs, and services for navigating the justice system. - New Jersey Victims of Crime Compensation Office
Offers financial assistance to victims of violent crimes for medical, relocation, and counseling costs.
2. Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid Programs
- Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ)
Provides free civil legal assistance for issues including domestic violence, harassment, stalking, and defamation. - New Jersey Courts – Self-Help Center
Offers protection order forms, court help, and legal resources for abuse, harassment, and related civil filings.
3. Relevant Laws
- Stalking: N.J.S.A. § 2C:12-10
What it means: Repeated conduct that causes a reasonable person to fear for their safety or suffer emotional distress. Includes in-person and online surveillance or threats. - Harassment: N.J.S.A. § 2C:33-4
What it means: Applies to communications, gestures, or behavior meant to alarm, annoy, or seriously inconvenience another person. Covers electronic and physical conduct. - Bullying: No adult criminal statute. Covered under N.J.S.A. § 18A:37-13 et seq. (Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights)
What it means: Schools are required to investigate, report, and prevent bullying and cyberbullying among students. Strict policies apply to all public school districts. - Defamation: Civil tort, not criminal. Based on New Jersey common law and precedent.
What it means: Individuals may sue for libel (written) or slander (spoken) if false statements cause reputational or professional harm. No criminal penalties apply.
4. Reporting and Hotlines
- Dial 911 in emergencies or situations involving immediate danger.
- File non-emergency reports with local police or your county family court office.
- New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence (NJCEDV)
Coordinates shelter access, legal help, and safety services statewide. - Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-572-SAFE (1-800-572-7233)
Available 24/7 to support victims of abuse, stalking, or harassment throughout New Jersey.
5. Support Organizations
- New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence
Provides shelter placement, advocacy, and trauma recovery support through its network of partner agencies. - JFCS of Monmouth County – Domestic Abuse Services
Offers culturally responsive legal, housing, and emotional support to survivors in central New Jersey.
6. Civil Remedies and Protection Orders
Victims can file for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and request a Final Restraining Order (FRO) through the New Jersey Family Court. These civil orders may prohibit contact, harassment, and digital communications. Legal Services of New Jersey and court advocates can assist with preparation and filing.
Important Note on Jurisdiction: If the individual you are seeking a restraining order against lives in a different state, your local court may not have jurisdiction to enforce that order. In most cases, you must file for protection in the state where that individual resides or where the conduct occurred. This applies even in situations involving online harassment, defamation, or stalking. Contact legal aid services in both your state and the other person’s state for guidance.
7. Youth and School Resources
- New Jersey Department of Education – Bullying Prevention
Includes school obligations under the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights, reporting procedures, and district-level resources.
8. Court Forms and Filing Help
- New Jersey Courts – Domestic Violence & Protection Orders
Provides forms, filing instructions, and assistance for requesting protection orders or TROs.
9. Online Safety and Privacy Tools
- NNEDV Tech Safety Toolkit
Offers digital privacy advice, safety apps, and tools for survivors of cyber harassment, stalking, or impersonation.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
