Domestic violence is defined as "a pattern of abusive behavior exhibited by one person towards another between whom there is a relationship." N.J.S.A.2C:25-17 et seq. Domestic violence is characterized by the misuse of power and control. It includes physical, emotional, psychological, verbal, sexual, and economic abuse. Although most think domestic violence occurs between people in a romantic relationship, domestic violence actually includes a broad spectrum of relationships, including violence between siblings, children and parents, roommates, caretakers, etc.

Thirteen (13) criminal offenses fall under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act. Id. Domestic Violence occurs when one or more of the following criminal offenses are predicated upon a protected person including: homicide, assault, terroristic threats, kidnapping, criminal restraint, false imprisonment, sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, lewdness, criminal mischief, burglary, criminal trespass, harassment, and stalking.

A victim of Domestic Violence is defined under the Act as a person who is subjected to domestic violence by a spouse, a former spouse, any other person who is a present or former household member, with whom the victim has a child in common, or with whom the victim anticipates having a child in common. In addition, a victim of Domestic Violence is a person who, regardless of age, has been subjected to domestic violence by a person with whom the victim has had a dating relationship. A victim may also be below the age of 18.

The recent Appellate Division decision of P.M. V. A.D.M, A-4289-14T4, affirmed a Final Restraining Order that was obtained by a sister against her brother, illustrates how domestic violence can occur between siblings. In P.M. v. A.D.M., the court found that the placement of hidden surveillance cameras, which allowed for both audio and visual recordings, “was designed to check the plaintiff's movements and created a climate of fear and anxiety for plaintiff, which constituted harassment.” Further, the Appellate Division affirmed the trial court’s rejection of the “defendant's assertion he used cameras to monitor their mother's physical health because it did not justify the secret placement of units in and around his sister's living space or the number of units installed in the home."

If you are a victim of domestic violence of any kind and want to talk to someone about your legal options, please don't hesitate to contact us. To learn more about ways we can help, visit http://lawfirm.ms/domestic-violence/