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 2008, the members of the Domestic Violence Unit processed 2,173 cases assigned to the Unit. Assistant Prosecutors presented 238 cases to the Grand Jury during this period. In addition, 32 forfeiture petitions were considered.

During 2009, the members of the Domestic Violence Unit processed 1,903 cases assigned to the Unit. Assistant Prosecutors presented 254 cases to the Grand Jury during this period. In addition, 40 forfeiture petitions were considered.

In 2008, the Domestic Violence Unit played a significant role in co-chairing Essex County's Domestic Violence Working Group. The group is comprised of members of law enforcement, the judiciary, victim service providers, probation officers and Domestic Violence Crisis Response Team members. The Domestic Violence Working Group addresses systemic problems in the criminal justice field, and endeavors to coordinate the efforts of the various member organizations. It is instrumental in implementing the dictates of New Jersey's Domestic Violence Procedures Manual.

The Essex County Prosecutor's Office has been instrumental in the plan to establish a Family Justice Center in Essex County. There are 45 operating centers in the United States, but this would be the first in New Jersey. The first phase of this Center is scheduled to open to clients in January 2010. The FJC model is recognized as a best practice in the field of domestic violence intervention and prevention by the US Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women. The center will bring together, under one roof, domestic violence advocates, civil legal service providers and other community based organizations to provide crisis intervention, safety planning, counseling, self sufficiency services, as well as access to the criminal justice system through a liaison to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office.

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