Coalition calls for more to be done to end domestic violence

TRENTON, NJ — The New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence called for more action in a June 30 press release, drawing attention to the eight lives lost to domestic violence in June.

“As we end this month and move into the holiday weekend where many of us will be celebrating our country’s independence, we must pause to remember the eight lives lost and the communities left mourning as a result of fatal domestic violence incidents that occurred in four communities across New Jersey,” the release read.

On June 1 in Fair Lawn, Barbara Tempe, 73, and Rich Tempe Sr., 76, were shot and killed by their son, Rich Tempe Jr., 53, before he set fire to the home they shared and turning the gun on himself. On June 10 in New Brunswick, Pradipkum Shah, 53, was shot and killed by his son, Vishal Shah, 20. On June 14 in Jersey City, Monica L. Haddad, 44, was shot and killed by her husband, Raymond S. Haddad, 54, before he turned the gun on himself. On June 27 in Springfield, Roth Brown, 51, and her father, Thomas Brown, 79, were fatally stabbed by Roth Brown’s son, James Brown, 27, in their shared home.

While all of these cases made headlines, there was little discussion within them regarding domestic violence. In New Jersey, the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act recognizes victims of domestic violence as individuals who had a relationship with the perpetrator of violence — a current or former spouse, a current or former dating partner, as well as a current or former household member. Domestic violence takes place in families from all backgrounds and communities. It is not just limited to violence among couples.

Over the last 40 years, New Jersey has witnessed the development of laws, a strong network of providers, and increased awareness and education around the issues of domestic violence. But, the coalition warns, more must be done as this is simply not enough.

Last month, acting Administrative Director of the Courts Glenn A. Grant released the Report of the Supreme Court Ad Hoc Committee on Domestic Violence. The committee, formed by N.J. Chief Justice Stuart Rabner in February 2015, provided 30 recommendations in the document after an examination of current domestic violence laws, the interaction between municipal and superior courts in domestic violence matters, resources available to victims of domestic violence, treatment options for adjudicated offenders, and methods of risk assessment and requirements for education and training. Committee members included representatives from all three branches of government, the private sector, academia, advocacy groups and attorneys representing the interests of both domestic violence victims and offenders. The report is available on the Judiciary’s website and available for public comment until July 29 at njcourts.gov.

  Domestic Violence