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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

QUICK LINKS

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Domestic Violence Hotline
1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
National Dating Abuse Helpline
1.866.331.9474 / Text: LOVEIS (77054)
Homicide/Major Crimes Tip Line
1.877.847.7432
Essex County Family Justice Center
1.973.230.7229
Essex County Child Advocacy Center:
Wynona’s House
1.973.753.1110
Essex County Rape Crisis Center:
Family Service League
1.877.733.CARE (2273)
N.J. Coalition Against Human Trafficking
c/o Jewish Federation of Greater
Metro West of New Jersey
1.973.929.3064

NJ DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN'S HOTLINE
1.877.652.2873

1.888.373.7888 (24-Hour Hotline)
Text: "BeFree" or 233733

1.888.234.7906

COPING WITH VICTIMIZATION

CONTACT US
Essex County Prosecutor’s
Office of Victim-Witness Advocacy
1.973.621.4687
Essex County Prosecutor’s Office
1.973.621.4700 (njecpo.org)

Information by Crime

Assault
Child Abuse
- Megan's Law
Corruption
Cyber-Crimes
Domestic Violence
Financial Crimes
Gang Violence
Hate Crimes
Homicide
Juvenile Crimes
Property Crimes
Sexual Assault


ABOUT US
F.A.Q.
Megan's Law

The Megan's Law Unit of the Essex County Prosecutor's Office works to protect potential victims from convicted sex offenders who are on probation or parole and now living in the community. Enacted in 1994, Megan's Law is named in memory of Megan Kanka, a seven-year-old girl who was raped and murdered by a neighbor who was a convicted sex offender. The law is intended to inform members of the public about the presence of sex offenders in their community. The Megan's Unit is responsible for evaluating whether a convicted sex offender is likely to commit another sex crime.

Using guidelines established by the Attorney General's Office, the Unit provides information to help judges determine whether a sex offender should be classified as a Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3. Those who pose the greatest threat to the community are listed as Tier 3 offenders. Their names and information about their offenses can be found on a Sex Offenders Internet Registry which is maintained by the New Jersey State Police.

Typically, residents, schools and others likely to encounter these offenders are alerted that they are living or working in a particular neighborhood. Not all convicted sex offenders are on the registry. Tier 2 offenders, those posing a moderate risk, can also be listed on the registry. Generally, Tier 1 offenders would not be on the registry. Once a sex offender has been classified, the Megan's Law Unit sets up the process to notify those who are entitled to the information. Members of the Unit may also speak to community groups to help them understand the process.

Whenever a Megan's Law offender moves, takes a new job or commits a new crime the process begins over again.

Suspecting Abuse

If you suspect a child is being abused, contact the New Jersey Department of Children and Families hotline at 1-877-NJ-ABUSE (652-2873) or 1-800-835-5510 (TTY/TDD). To learn more about indicators of child abuse Click here.

Discovering Abuse

If you discover child abuse, or if a child tells you that he/she has been touched inappropriately, report the information to the police immediately.

When your case is referred to our office, it will be reviewed by members of the Special Victims’ Unit located at Wynona’s House, Essex County’s designated child advocacy center located at 185 Washington Street in Newark. Wynona’s House provides a myriad of services to children who may have been victims of abuse. This center includes the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, child protective service caseworkers, juvenile trauma therapists, forensic pediatricians and multi-disciplinary coordinators all under one roof.

The Special Victims Unit diligently pursues the arrest, indictment and conviction of those responsible for crimes against children. Victims and their family members also receive a wide range of services to coordinate care as the case moves through the criminal justice process. The Special Victims Unit maintains a 24-hour on-call service for all county municipal detectives and New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) caseworkers.

For more information, call the Essex County Prosecutor's
Victim-Witness Advocacy Office at: 973-621-4687.