Family Violence

Family violence is an incipient disease that has plagued society since the beginning of man’s social history. Unfortunately, it was not recognized for its consequences and victims were forced to live in silence by misapplied guilt and society’s choice to look the other way. The issue of Domestic Violence rose to the level of social consciousness in the mid 1980′s. Since that time legislators, law enforcement executives, social organizations and church groups have worked tirelessly to protect domestic violence victims and educate the public that this form of social behavior is both unacceptable and intolerable.

In 1988, the Union County Sheriff’s Office established New Jersey’s first Family Violence Unit. Members of this unit have been carefully selected and receive specialized training in conflict resolution, family dynamics and domestic violence laws. The Family Violence Unit works during the evening when it has the greatest opportunity for contact with both the victims and offenders.

The primary responsibility of the Family Violence Unit is the service of Temporary Restraining Orders upon domestic violence defendants. This often involves the removal of the offender from the residence, satisfying child custody issues, and the safe keeping of weapons in accordance with court orders. Restraining Orders services are emotional events with a great potential for renewed violence.

Sheriff’s Officers must enforce the law without passing judgement on the defendant.

It is also the role of this unit to investigate and apprehend defendants of Family Court warrants. These warrants include child support violations, violations of restraining orders, and other court order violations.

If you would like to contact the Family Violence Unit about a court ordered service please call 908-558-2313 between the hours of 3:30 PM and 11:00 PM.  If you need service earlier you may contact the Investigations Division at 908-527-4480.

For agencies of other counties or from out of state please call the numbers above so we may arrange for the service of your orders.