Definitions of Domestic Violence - New Jersey

Date: January 2021

Defined in Domestic Violence Civil Laws

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Defined in Child Abuse Reporting and Child Protection Laws

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Defined in Criminal Laws

Citation: Ann. Stat. § 2C:25-19

'Domestic violence' means the occurrence of one or more of the following acts inflicted upon a person protected under this act by an adult or an emancipated minor:

  • Homicide
  • Assault
  • Terroristic threats
  • Kidnapping
  • Criminal restraint
  • False imprisonment
  • Sexual assault
  • Criminal sexual contact
  • Lewdness
  • Criminal mischief
  • Burglary
  • Criminal trespass
  • Harassment
  • Stalking
  • Criminal coercion
  • Robbery
  • Contempt of a domestic violence order that constitutes a crime or disorderly persons offense
  • Any other crime involving risk of death or serious bodily injury to a protected person
  • Cyber harassment

When one or more of these acts is inflicted by an unemancipated minor upon a person protected under this act, the occurrence shall not constitute 'domestic violence' but may be the basis for the filing of a petition or complaint pursuant to the provisions of § 2A:4A-30 (Juvenile Justice Code).

Persons Included in the Definition

Citation: Ann. Stat. § 2C:25-19

'Victim of domestic violence' means a person protected under this act and shall include any person who is age 18 or older or who is an emancipated minor and who has been subjected to domestic violence by a spouse, former spouse, or any other person who is a present or former household member.

'Victim of domestic violence' also includes any person, regardless of age, who has been subjected to domestic violence by a person with whom the victim has a child in common or with whom the victim anticipates having a child in common, if one of the parties is pregnant. 'Victim of domestic violence' also includes any person who has been subjected to domestic violence by a person with whom the victim has had a dating relationship.