There is HOPE

Since the pandemic, there has been an increasing awareness and advocacy around domestic violence, which have led to significant legislative changes aimed at better-protecting victims and ensuring justice. This year, 2024, has witnessed the introduction of several crucial laws, including the expansion of the definition of Domestic Violence to include economic and technological abuse. New Jersey is demonstrating a strong commitment to reform and reassuring the public about the importance of protecting victims.

Our responsibility at Sacred Safe Space is to help equip Pastors, leaders, and the Church. Byproviding the resources and knowledge necessary to assist in freeing those who are captives. Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for the lack of knowledge.” As God’s people, God’s light bearers, we are called to bring hope, kindness, and truth wherever we go. We are called to be the salt of the earth.

These legislative changes reflect the state’s commitment to ensuring safety, justice, and support for those affected by domestic violence. Here are the critical components of the new laws:

Expanded Definition of Domestic Violence

The state has broadened the legal definition of domestic violence to include:

Economic Abuse is actions that control a victim’s ability to acquire, use, and maintain economic resources, thereby forcing victims to maintain financial dependency. It limits access and information to income, making the victim account for every penny, creating debt, calling social services, giving an allowance, and not paying child support.

Technological Abuse: The use of technology to harass, stalk, or control a victim, including cyberstalking and the unauthorized surveillance of communications and social media.

Reports in Different Languages

An article written by NJ1015 on January 8, 2024, stated that a law signed and set to go into effect in May would require restraining orders to be prepared in other languages for those who are not proficient in English. The bill’s language applies to temporary and final restraining orders, as well as to initial information that’s disseminated to victims.

Protection of Unborn Child

As of April, victims of Domestic Violence who are seeking a restraining order against the perpetrator can have the order include their unborn child. Before this law, a restraining order only included children and families that a victim lives with. However, a pregnant victim would have to go back to the court to seek protection separately for their new child once it is born.

Stronger Protective Orders

New Jersey has enhanced its protective order system to provide more protections for victims:

Immediate Protection: Temporary restraining orders (TROs) can now be issued more swiftly, with immediate effect, even outside of regular court hours through electronic filing.

Longer Durations: Final restraining orders (FROs) can now be issued for longer periods, providing extended security for victims without the need for frequent renewals.

Expanded Scope: Protective orders now cover a broader range of actions, including prohibiting all forms of contact through social media and digital platforms.

Workplace Protections for Victims

Recognizing the impact of domestic violence on employment, New Jersey has implemented measures to protect victims in the workplace:

Leave Entitlements: Victims are entitled to paid leave for legal proceedings, medical treatment, and counseling sessions related to domestic violence.

Workplace Safety Plans: Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure the safety of employees who are victims, which may include changing work locations or modifying work schedules.

Let us continue to pray for the eradication of this silent killer and for the victim’s lives and families to be restored by the grace and love of God. We also pray for those causing the harm. May they encounter God and be transformed and healed by the renewing of their minds.

For more information on how to get involved with Sacred Safe Spaces, contact Rev. Ruth Giraldo-Mangual, Associate Minister for Resources at rmangual@abcnj.net