New jersey restraining order law expanded to include strangers

TRENTON, NJ – A long overdue overhaul of the New Jersey laws limiting who can file restraining orders has been signed into law.

Senator Jon Bramnick’s sponsored legislation, which allows stalking victims to obtain restraining orders against strangers, was signed into law recently.

Prior to this law, victims of stalking and abuse could only obtain restraining orders if they had a prior or existing spousal, household, or dating relationship with the offender or if the defendant had a previous stalking conviction.

Senator Bramnick’s bill, S-1517, addresses this limitation by enabling the issuance of restraining orders even when there is no prior or existing relationship between the victim and the offender. This change closes the loophole and ensures that stalking victims are protected, regardless of their prior connection to the perpetrator.

The new law also permits parents or guardians of underage victims, those with developmental disabilities, or those unable to provide consent, to file for restraining orders on behalf of the victim.

Senator Bramnick expressed his satisfaction with the new legislation, emphasizing that it will save lives and make it easier for stalking and harassment victims to obtain protective orders without the burden of proving a prior relationship with the defendant.

The law aims to prevent frightening behavior from escalating into actual harm by providing timely protection for victims facing threats or harassment from strangers.

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