Monmouth court system adds waiting room for domestic abuse victims

A waiting room specifically for domestic violence victims at the Monmouth County Courthouse forms the centerpiece of safety and security enhancements related to family abuse, unveiled by the Monmouth Vicinage.

Plaintiffs and victims are directed to the space in the Freehold complex after temporary restraining orders are issued. Once there, they can meet with representatives of 180 Turning Lives Around, the Hazlet-based private nonprofit group that focuses on ways to end domestic violence.

The goal is to minimize the likelihood that defendants and plaintiffs will end up in a common area without Sheriff's officers present, court officials said.

Plaintiffs and victims sign in electronically and are ushered into the waiting room until the case proceeds in a courtroom. Defendants report to the reception area of the Family Division to be searched and brought to court.

The innovation increases the level of safety for domestic violence litigants while ensuring their dignity, civility and respect, court officials said.