MAYS LANDING — Domestic violence cases in Atlantic County will now be handled by a newly established specialized unit designed to keep prosecutors with cases from charging through their final disposition while providing victims with dedicated advocacy and support.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office announced Tuesday that its new Domestic Violence Unit officially began operating Oct. 5.
The unit brings together designated assistant prosecutors, investigators, victim-witness advocates and supervisory personnel focused specifically on domestic violence cases.
Atlantic County Prosecutor William E. Reynolds said the change is intended to provide a more coordinated response to cases that can be particularly complicated for victims and their families.
“Domestic violence cases require a coordinated response that recognizes both the complexities of these offenses and the profound impact they have on victims and families,” Reynolds said.
“The establishment of the Domestic Violence Unit demonstrates our commitment to delivering specialized, trauma-informed services while ensuring offenders are held accountable and victims receive the support and advocacy they deserve.”
One prosecutor from beginning to end
A significant component of the new unit will be what the Prosecutor's Office calls a vertical prosecution model.
Under that system, an assigned prosecutor maintains responsibility for a domestic violence case from the charging stage through its final disposition.
The Prosecutor's Office says the approach should provide greater consistency, improve case preparation and allow prosecutors to make decisions with a fuller understanding of a case's history.
It could also provide victims with greater continuity as they navigate the court system.
The unit will provide specialized prosecutorial, investigative, supervisory and victim-advocacy resources exclusively for domestic violence matters.
Its personnel will work with municipal police departments as well as victim-service agencies, advocacy organizations, healthcare professionals and other community partners.
Responsibilities will include overseeing domestic violence prosecutions, coordinating investigations, implementing trauma-informed practices and promoting victim safety throughout the judicial process.
‘Too often’ behind closed doors
The announcement comes during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is observed each October.
This year's theme is “Every1KnowsSome1,” intended to emphasize that domestic violence occurs across communities and can affect people regardless of age, background or economic circumstances.
“Too often, domestic violence occurs behind closed doors and leaves victims feeling isolated and without options,” Reynolds said.
“During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we want every victim to know that help is available, that they will be heard, and that our Office is committed to pursuing justice while working alongside our law enforcement and community partners to provide meaningful support and protection.”
The Prosecutor's Office described domestic violence as one of the most significant categories of criminal cases handled by prosecutors throughout New Jersey.
Officials say concentrating personnel and resources in the new unit is intended to improve accountability, victim engagement and case outcomes while providing greater continuity throughout the criminal justice process.
Help is available
The Prosecutor's Office also used Tuesday's announcement to remind residents that assistance is available to people experiencing domestic violence as well as friends, relatives, coworkers or neighbors concerned about someone's safety.
The New Jersey Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-572-SAFE (7233) and provides confidential crisis intervention, safety planning, information and referrals.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available around the clock at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
The Atlantic County Women's Center provides emergency shelter, counseling, advocacy, court accompaniment and other supportive services for domestic violence victims and their families.
Anyone in immediate danger should call 911.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said the creation of the specialized unit is intended to provide domestic violence cases with focused attention while strengthening support for victims throughout the process.
