Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence in NJ

New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyers Serving Bergen County and New Jersey

Extensive research has revealed a link between substance abuse and domestic violence in New Jersey and throughout the United States. In some cases, alcohol or drugs leads to an escalated situation that never would have happened without one or both parties being under the influence. Perhaps neighbors called police about a potential domestic dispute and things went south from there. In other cases, a person with serious substance abuse issues will become an abuser to their partner or family. In these scenarios, the victim needs to secure an immediate protective order to ensure their safety. The experienced domestic violence attorneys at The Tormey Law Firm assist clients throughout New Jersey with restraining orders and criminal charges arising out of a wide variety of domestic violence situations.

If you have been accused of simple assault, stalking, harassment, or another act of domestic violence, we can help. If you need help obtaining a permanent restraining order against an abuser, we can help. If you and your partner want to get a restraining order dismissed because of a misunderstanding, we can help. Our lawyers have assisted countless clients with navigating domestic violence legal proceedings in Jersey City, Hackensack, Neptune, Paterson, Elizabeth, Somerville, Newark, and across New Jersey. We know domestic violence issues can happen to anyone–people from any age group, race, religion, ethnicity, gender, and background. Let us find out what happened in your case and how we can help you get what you need. Call The Tormey Law Firm now at (908)-336-5008 to speak with a domestic violence lawyer. Consultations are always provided free of charge.

Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse: Understanding the Connection

According to the latest report from the New Jersey State Police, 25 percent (15,484) of the total reported acts of domestic violence (61,659) in New Jersey involved either drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both. Alcohol involvement alone accounted for 22 percent (13,829) of the total domestic violence offenses reported. Notably, alcohol or drugs may be used by the victim or the alleged abuser.

Continued substance abuse is one of the largest risk factors for violence between spouses and romantic partners. Domestic violence offenders often have substance abuse problems. In fact, 61 percent of abusers have an issue with drugs or alcohol. After studying domestic abuse incidents, researchers discovered that domestic assaults involving alcohol led to more serious injuries for victims.

Victims of domestic abuse are also more likely to have substance abuse issues. The United States Department of Justice conducted one study that revealed 36 percent of victims in domestic violence programs struggled with alcohol or drugs. Among female victims of domestic violence, they are 15-times more likely to have issues with alcohol and 9-times more likely to struggle with drug addiction when compared with women who have not been abused.

Substance Abuse Counseling in NJ Restraining Orders

In New Jersey, there are numerous forms of “relief” that a judge may choose to include in a final restraining order. Relief essentially means things that the defendant must do or not do after the permanent restraining order is issued. This becomes an enforceable court order, meaning the person subject to the order can be arrested and criminally prosecuted for violating any of the rules it contains. If the judge decides it is necessary, they can order a restraining order defendant to undergo a psychological evaluation, seek substance abuse counseling, get treatment for alcohol or drugs, attend Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings, or take other steps related to substance abuse. When there are children involved in a domestic violence matter, these requirements may be a necessary condition for child custody or visitation.

Contact a Nutley NJ Domestic Violence Substance Abuse Attorney

The complications of domestic violence and substance abuse can be too much to handle on your own. At The Tormey Law Firm, our attorneys are dedicated to providing the guidance and advocacy you need during this difficult time. Call (908)-336-5008 or fill out our online form to arrange a free and confidential consultation about your case.

With several office locations, we serve clients in Camden, Paramus, Cranford, New Brunswick, Red Bank, Clifton, Parsippany, Montclair, and throughout New Jersey. We are happy to schedule an appointment at the office nearest you.