The ending of a marriage or a dating relationship can cause emotional tension between the parties. Frustration and anger are not uncommon feelings, but what a party decides to do with those feelings is of great importance. Some former spouses and lovers regrettably translate those emotions into violent physical action, assaulting or intimidating the very people they once cared about.

One New Jersey man is being held on $40,000 bond after prosecutors charged him with domestic violence and burglary. According to police reports, the man broke into the house of his former girlfriend, who was home at the time with her current boyfriend. Once inside, the man began to beat the woman’s current boyfriend using gloves fitted with rigid plastic caps on the knuckles. Police arrived on scene and arrested the man.

Victims of domestic violence can be understandably fearful of another attack. But the law provides a means to separate the parties and protect the victims. Restraining orders prevent a perpetrator or alleged perpetrator from contacting the victim. The process for obtaining a restraining order is often two-pronged: If the legal requirements are met, a court will grant a preliminary restraining order. Then, if victims want the order made permanent, they must have a subsequent hearing.

While a separation or divorce may in some circumstances trigger an instance of domestic violence, it goes without saying that many assaults occur while people are still in relationships. It can be difficult for victims to break away from abusive relationships, but victims should know that the law can help protect them.

Source: The Jersey Journal, “Convicted murderer charged with burglary, domestic violence,” Michaelangelo Conti, May 29, 2012.