New Jersey Criminal Laws

2C:25-19.     Definitions.

3. As used in this act:

a. "Domestic violence" means the occurrence of one or more of the following acts inflicted upon a person protected under this act by an adult or an emancipated minor:

(1) Homicide N.J.S.2C:11-1 et seq.


(2) Assault N.J.S.2C:12-1


(3) Terroristic threats N.J.S.2C:12-3


(4) Kidnapping N.J.S.2C:13-1


(5) Criminal restraint N.J.S.2C:13-2


(6) False imprisonment N.J.S.2C:13-3


(7) Sexual assault N.J.S.2C:14-2


(8) Criminal sexual contact N.J.S.2C:14-3


(9) Lewdness N.J.S.2C:14-4


(10) Criminal mischief N.J.S.2C:17-3


(11) Burglary N.J.S.2C:18-2


(12) Criminal trespass N.J.S.2C:18-3


(13) Harassment N.J.S.2C:33-4


(14) Stalking P.L.1992, c.209 (C.2C:12-10)


When one or more of these acts is inflicted by an unemancipated minor upon a person protected under this act, the occurrence shall not constitute "domestic violence," but may be the basis for the filing of a petition or complaint pursuant to the provisions of section 11 of P.L.1982, c.77 (C.2A:4A-30).

b. "Law enforcement agency" means a department, division, bureau, commission, board or other authority of the State or of any political subdivision thereof which employs law enforcement officers.

c. "Law enforcement officer" means a person whose public duties include the power to act as an officer for the detection, apprehension, arrest and conviction of offenders against the laws of this State.

d. "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 or former household member. "Victim of domestic violence" also includes any person, regardless of age, who has been subjected to domestic violence by a person with whom the victim has a child in common, or with whom the victim anticipates having a child in common, if one of the parties is pregnant. "Victim of domestic violence" also includes any person who has been subjected to domestic violence by a person with whom the victim has had a dating relationship.

e. "Emancipated minor" means a person who is under 18 years of age but who has been married, has entered military service, has a child or is pregnant or has been previously declared by a court or an administrative agency to be emancipated.

L.1991,c.261,s.3; amended 1994,c.93,s.1; 1994,c.94,s.1.