In the state of NJ there are no protective or restraining orders allowed for anyone being stalked, cyber stalked, harassed, or doxxed by a stranger. The only allowances for restraining or protective orders are for domestic situations where the victim has some sort of relationship with the perpetrator. Yes, that means if your stalker is someone you don’t  know, you have no legal protection from harassment.

I found out the hard way after the person who broke into my house twice was released on bail after three days. He then went online and shared my personal information and encouraged others to view damaging and defamatory podcasts about me. This person also went up and down my neighborhood sharing those lies to my new neighbors via fliers door to door with a partner. Not only has he documented his fixation with me and shown no remorse for the crime he committed against me, but his actions have increasingly shown that he is a danger to me and my piece of mind. 

In the state of New Jersey women who are harassed either online or in person by someone they have have no previous relationship with cannot get a protective or a restating order. We are flat out just not eligible. That means that if some random person violates you, and they have had no previous relationship with you, you cannot go to the law for protection against subsequent harassment, stalking, or doxxing—even as their victim. As it’s currently set up only victims of domestic violence can get protection and consequences for violation under the law.

This horrible standing ignores the fact that a substantial amount of women will have no previous relationship with their stalker or abuser. It ignores that violence towards women can and very frequently is perpetrated by absolute strangers-although at significantly lower rates. The fact that there are no laws to protect us from these abusive strangers is outrageous and disappointing. We have to change this NOW. New Jersey needs to PROTECT ALL WOMEN!