Domestic violence can take many forms, and emotional abuse is one of them. In New Jersey, domestic violence includes physical, sexual, economic, and emotional abuse. However, until recently, emotional abuse was not considered a criminal offense under the state's domestic violence laws. This has changed in recent years due to growing recognition of the devastating impact of emotional abuse on victims. In this blog post, we will explore what constitutes emotional abuse, why states are now including it as domestic violence, what this means for those accused of emotional abuse in New Jersey, and how an attorney can help.

What is Emotional Abuse?

Emotional abuse involves behaviors that undermine a person's self-worth or cause psychological harm. It can include verbal attacks, threats of harm or abandonment, isolation from friends and family, controlling behavior like monitoring phone calls or emails or denying access to money or transportation. It can be just as damaging as physical abuse and may even lead to it.

Why States are Now Including Emotional Abuse as Domestic Violence

In the past few decades, there has been a growing awareness of the impact of emotional abuse on victims and their children. Studies have shown that victims of emotional abuse suffer from depression and anxiety disorders at rates similar to those who experience physical violence. Moreover, children exposed to high levels of parental conflict and emotional abuse may suffer long-term developmental problems such as aggression towards others or difficulty forming healthy relationships themselves.

What Does This Mean for the Accused?

If you have been accused of emotionally abusing your partner/spouse/family member in New Jersey, it is essential to understand that this accusation carries serious legal consequences. The inclusion of emotional abuse under domestic violence laws means that if convicted you could face jail time fines along with losing custody rights or visitation with your children.

How Can an Attorney Help Me?

An experienced domestic violence lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and defend yourself against an accusation of emotional abuse. They will review your case, gather evidence, and work with you to build a strong defense strategy. If necessary, they can also negotiate plea bargains or represent you in court.

In conclusion, emotional abuse is now considered domestic violence in New Jersey. This is an important development that reflects growing recognition of the serious harm caused by emotional abuse. If you have been accused of emotionally abusing someone, it is essential to take the accusation seriously and seek legal advice from an experienced domestic violence lawyer as soon as possible. With their help, you can protect your rights and reputation while working towards a positive outcome for all parties involved.