Stalking

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F.A.Q.

A person may be charged with stalking if he/she purposefully engages in an action directed at another person that seeks to cause harm to that individual or to a member of his/her family or knowingly places the victim or an immediate family member in fear of harm or death.

The perpetrator can also be charged with stalking if he/she purposely or repeatedly maintains visual or physical proximity to the victim or conveys verbal, written, electronic or otherwise communicated threats towards the victim or the victim's family. A person who engages in conduct that alarms or annoys the victim or members of his/her family that occurs on at least two occasions can also be charged with stalking. The stalker may be someone you know (a spouse, former spouse, friend, co-worker, acquaintance), someone with whom you once had a relationship, or a complete stranger.

Help For Victims

If you are being stalked, contact your local police department immediately to report the crime.New Jersey has very strict laws in place to protect victims of domestic violence and stalking. Under the New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, you have a right to request a restraining order, a legal document that stops the abuser from contacting, harassing, terrorizing, threatening you and members of your immediate family in any way.

You can apply for a temporary restraining order at the Essex County Family Court located at:

Wilentz Justice Complex
Room 1251, 12th Floor
212 Washington Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Phone: 973-693-6840
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m
Office Hours for filing complaints: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m

If the Family Court is closed, you may also obtain an order at your local police department. Once the temporary restraining order has been issued, you must return to the Family Court in ten (10) days to have your temporary order finalized.

For more information on domestic violence, contact the Essex County Prosecutor's Office of Victim-Witness Advocacy at: 973-621-4687 or visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

For more information on how to file for a restraining order, visit the Essex County Courts Family Division web site.