Answer 6.Some battered women leave their abusers after the first violent incident, and a majority leave eventually. A woman should wash off any blood, clean herself up, and regain composure before going to the police to file charges after a beating. In New Jersey in 1988, over 52,000 domestic violence offense reports were filed. There are no reporting requirements in New Jersey for any cases or suspected cases of adult abuse. Domestic Violence victims can be identified in the emergency room, ambulatory care setting, prenatal clinic and mental health services.
Domestic violence is a private matter.
The victim should be consulted as the expert in any assessment of the risks or safety of her environment. Under the New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, law enforcement officers are under no obligation to affect an arrest simply because one of the parties exhibits visible signs of injury. Battering and female suicide attempts are highly related. Once a batterer, always a batterer. Emotional, psychological or financial abuse are not considered acts of domestic violence.