Domestic abuse is a social phenomenon that perpetuates itself, and thus continues to escalate if not addressed. Criminal sanctions are a key component of society's response to this crisis, and the Domestic Violence Unit of the Essex County Prosecutor's Office seeks to carry out this responsibility within Essex County. The Unit is currently staffed by a Director, four Assistant Prosecutors, three Investigators, and one Clerical assistant. During, 2005, the members of the Domestic Violence Unit efficiently processed over two thousand cases. Despite the volume of cases, the Domestic Violence Unit has continued to maintain a high level of professionalism, and each member of the Unit has worked hard to prosecute each case to the fullest extent, as well as to assist each victim in every possible way.

Domestic Violence Crisis Response Teams: The majority of municipalities in Essex County have established Domestic Violence Crisis Response Teams. The teams are comprised of civilian volunteers who provide Domestic Violence victims with information regarding criminal charges and obtaining Restraining Orders. Team members also provide referrals to victims regarding counseling, support groups and battered women's shelters. The Domestic Violence Unit works closely with these Teams to help victims gain both immediate assistance and eventual justice. For additional information regarding Domestic Violence Crisis Response Teams, please contact your local police department or the Domestic Violence Unit of the Essex County Prosecutor's Office at 973-621-6488 or 973-621-2081.

The Essex County Prosecutor's Office has established an innovative Municipal Court Victims' Advocate Program. The program was instituted to address the needs of domestic violence victims at the Municipal level, where a majority of domestic violence cases are handled. Victims' Advocates appear in the Municipal Courts throughout Essex County in order to provide information, support and guidance to domestic violence victims along with referrals for counseling and battered women's shelters.

In 2006, this Unit opened a total of 1,567 investigations and completed 1,844 (including pending investigations from the previous year). A total of 2007 defendants were charged by complaint, with 311 defendants presented to grand jury. Of those, 266 defendants were indicted.

For more information about domestic violence and what to do if you are a victim, please see the Frequently Asked Questions section.