Jan. 1 started in Jersey City with police responding to a report of domestic violence outside a Neptune Avenue apartment. Officers on the scene found a 45-year-old man involved in an argument with his 35-year-old girlfriend. Also present were the woman’s two children, ages 6 months and 10 years.
A broken glass table had cut her right hand. According to the statement she gave police, their dispute concerned their relationship. Her boyfriend had turned violent. She said he grabbed her and pushed her onto the glass table. Her children were uninjured.
Police said that they explained to the woman her rights as a victim of apparent domestic violence. She could have requested a temporary restraining order, but told police that she did not want one. She also did not accept any medical treatment at that time. Police arrested the man on a charge of simple assault domestic violence.
Someone coping with the threat of domestic violence has a right to obtain legal representation. An attorney could advise the person about the steps necessary for obtaining a restraining order. The documentation needed in court could also be prepared by an attorney. Once a restraining order is in place, an attorney could explain the terms to the person so that the client understands exactly what protections the court order provides. This could include how and when to contact police if a violation of the order occurs. Additionally, if a restraining order needs to be renewed, an attorney could gather the evidence and explain to a judge the reasons for continued protection.
Source: NJ.com, “Jersey City Man Accused of Pushing Girlfriend onto Glass Table, Breaking it, Cops Say“, Jonathan Lin, Jan. 1, 2016