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New Jersey legal term

Victim of domestic violence in New Jersey Criminal Law

Current through 2026 New Jersey legislative session

In New Jersey criminal law, “Victim of domestic violence” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the New Jersey criminal code.

What does “Victim of domestic violence” mean in New Jersey criminal law?

"Victim of domestic violence" means a person protected under this act and shall include any person who is 18 years of age or older or who is an emancipated minor and who has been subjected to domestic violence by a spouse, former spouse, or any other person who is a present household member or was at any time a household member. (N.J.S.A. 2C:25-19)

Statutes defining or using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.