Domestic violence is a serious crime – and one that leaves deep emotional, physical, and legal scars on victims. But what happens when someone is falsely accused? False allegations of domestic violence don’t just damage reputations and destroy families – they also harm real victims by diluting the trust in the system meant to protect them.
At Adamo Ferreira Esq LLC, based in Hackensack, New Jersey, we provide aggressive legal representation for individuals throughout New Jersey and New York—including Bergen County communities like Teaneck, Lodi, Maywood, Paramus, and Englewood—who are facing domestic violence charges, need help filing or defending against restraining orders, or are navigating the serious consequences of false allegations of abuse.
Can the Victim Drop Domestic Violence Charges?
In New Jersey, domestic violence is treated as a crime against the state, not just the individual. This means that even if the victim wants to drop the charges, the prosecutor can still move forward with the case. This legal structure aims to protect true victims who may be pressured into recanting or fearful of further harm.
Why Do Some Victims of Domestic Violence Recant Their Statements?
There are several reasons why victims may change their minds:
- Emotional manipulation by the accused
- Fear of retaliation or future violence
- Financial dependency
- Concerns over child custody
- Shame or embarrassment
- Pressure from family
- Promises of change or suicide threats from the offender
Regardless of the reason, pressuring someone to recant is illegal and may be considered witness tampering, which can lead to additional criminal charges.
Men Can Be Victims of Abuse Too
While national statistics show that about 1 in 4 women experience domestic violence, nearly 1 in 9 men are also victims. Unfortunately, male victims of domestic violence are often overlooked or not believed, leading to underreporting.
If you are a man being falsely accused – or if you are a male victim seeking help – you are not alone. Our firm understands the unique challenges male victims face in courtrooms and in society.
How Many Women Are Victims of Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence affects millions of women across the country, and the statistics are staggering. According to the CDC and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), approximately 1 in 4 women in the United States—about 25%—have experienced severe physical violence, sexual abuse, or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime.
What If You Were Falsely Accused?
Being falsely accused of domestic violence can ruin your reputation, threaten your freedom, and jeopardize your family life. A restraining order, for example, can force you to leave your home, lose contact with your children, or even surrender firearms.
If you’ve been falsely accused it’s critical to speak with a skilled domestic violence defense attorney immediately.
Stalking: A Hidden Threat in Domestic Violence Cases
Stalking is a dangerous and often overlooked form of abuse that frequently occurs alongside domestic violence. It can include repeated phone calls, following the victim, sending unwanted messages, or showing up uninvited – acts that cause fear and emotional distress. According to national statistics, 1 in 6 women in the U.S. have experienced stalking, typically by someone they know, such as a current or former partner. In many cases, a restraining order can be a critical legal tool to protect stalking victims and prevent further harm.
Seeking a Restraining Order in Hackensack or Nearby?
If you are a victim of domestic violence – whether male or female – you have the right to file for a civil restraining order. In New Jersey, this can include:
- No-contact orders
- Temporary custody of children
- Exclusive use of a shared residence
- Firearm surrender provisions
- Lease termination options for safety
These orders can help keep you and your children safe, especially in the early stages following abuse or threats.
What To Do Next