Not just domestic violence
VASPA can apply when there is no dating, family, or household relationship.
New Jersey VASPA Protective Orders for Stalking, Cyber-Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct
Directive #23-23 implements the Victim’s Assistance and Survivor Protection Act, or VASPA. It matters because protective orders may be available for stalking, cyber-harassment, sexual contact, sexual penetration, lewdness, and attempts even when the parties do not have the relationship required for a domestic-violence restraining order.
Stalking and cyber-harassment added
The 2024 process expands beyond the older sexual-assault survivor framework.
Orders are statewide
Temporary and final protective orders are enforceable throughout New Jersey.
What VASPA Covers
VASPA covers protective-order applications based on non-consensual sexual contact, sexual penetration, lewdness, attempts at those acts, stalking, and cyber-harassment where the plaintiff is not eligible for a domestic-violence restraining order because the required relationship is missing.
How the Process Works
Applications may be submitted through JEDS or delivered to the Family Division. If a temporary protective order is issued, law enforcement serves the defendant and the court schedules a final protective-order hearing.
Why the Hearing Matters
A protective-order case can affect contact, housing, employment, reputation, firearms, and future criminal exposure if the order is allegedly violated. Plaintiffs and defendants both need to understand that the final hearing is not casual paperwork.
Related pages
This page is general information, not legal advice. If a court date, warrant, detention issue, protective-order issue, or deadline is active, speak with counsel before taking action.