Reporting Stalking to New Jersey Officials
Every hotline, state agency, and court resource you need to report stalking in New Jersey.
In danger now? Call 911 · National DV Hotline 1-800-799-7233 · Crisis Line 988
Download the printable New Jersey guide
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How to use this guide
This guide covers statewide New Jersey resources: the government agencies, hotlines, and courts that serve every county. Each section also tells you how to find the right local office near you.
Start here: New Jersey's VASPA order covers stalking and cyber-harassment by anyone — but it must be filed at Superior Court, not a local police station.
Before you call: have your documentation ready — dates, what happened, any messages or photos saved, and whether a report has already been filed elsewhere.
If you're in danger: call 911 first. Every other number in this guide is for follow-up support, not emergency response.
Emergency & Immediate Danger
Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical
911
Call if you are in immediate danger, right now.
New Jersey State Police (find your local station)
Via njsp.gov
For non-emergency matters outside local police jurisdiction.
New Jersey VINE
Via vinelink.com
Free, confidential notification if a stalker is released from jail or prison.
Can't speak safely? In areas where Text-to-911 is supported, you can text instead of calling — check with your mobile carrier for coverage in your county.
New Jersey — Statewide Agencies
NJ Office of the Attorney General — Victims of Crime Compensation Office
877-658-2221
(973) 648-2107 · 50 Park Place, 5th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102 · stalking is an explicitly eligible crime.
nj.gov/oag/njvictims ↗NJ State Office of Victim Witness Advocacy
866-326-7206
Victim rights information and referrals statewide.
nj.gov/oag/dcj/victimwitness ↗NJ Courts — Restraining Order Information
Via njcourts.gov
Official forms for both VASPA (stalking/cyber-harassment) and domestic violence orders.
njcourts.gov ↗Reporting to Local Police & Sheriffs
Stalking is usually reported to the police department in the city where you live or work, or to your county sheriff outside city limits.
Your local police department (non-emergency line)
Dial 911, or search “[your city] police non-emergency”
Stalking can be reported at any city police department or county sheriff's office.
Your county prosecutor's Office of Victim/Witness Advocacy
Varies by county
Court support and compensation help, with an office in every New Jersey county.
Your county's Superior Court
Find yours via njcourts.gov
A VASPA restraining order for stalking or cyber-harassment must be filed at Superior Court — not at a local police station like a domestic violence order.
Good to know: you can file a report at any police department, not only the one nearest the stalker. Ask for the officer's name, a complaint or case number, and how to follow up.
VASPA & Restraining Orders in New Jersey
VASPA order: the Victim Assistance and Survivor Protection Act covers stalking and cyber-harassment by anyone, regardless of your relationship to them.
Domestic Violence Restraining Order: used instead when you and the stalker are family or household members, or have a child together.
File at Superior Court: unlike a domestic violence order, a VASPA order can only be evaluated at the Superior Court — not a local police station or municipal court.
Final order
A VASPA Final Restraining Order does not expire unless changed by the court.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect
Filing a Police Report
- 1Go to any police department or county sheriff's office — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker.
- 2Ask to speak with an officer and say clearly that you want to report stalking or harassment.
- 3Bring your documentation: dates, messages, photos, and names of any witnesses.
- 4Ask for the report's complaint number before you leave, and request a copy if possible.
- 5Ask about victim assistance resources — many departments have a victim advocate or can refer you to the Victims of Crime Compensation Office.
Getting a Protective Order
- 1Go to the Superior Court courthouse in your county and ask for a VASPA restraining order application — specify you want relief under VASPA, not the domestic violence law.
- 2Describe each incident with as much detail as possible — dates, what happened, and any pattern you've noticed, including online or cyber-harassment.
- 3File the application with the court.
- 4A judge can issue a Temporary Protective Order in an expedited manner, often without the other party present.
- 5A hearing for a Final Restraining Order is scheduled within 10 days after the other party is served — keep a copy of any order with you, at home, and at work.
Specialized Support
NJ Child Abuse Hotline (State Central Registry)
1-877-652-2873
1-877-NJ-ABUSE · TTY 1-800-835-5510 · 24/7, statewide, confidential.
NJ Adult Protective Services Hotline
1-800-792-8820
For abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult.
Quick-Reference Contact Sheet
| Agency | Phone | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical | 911 | Emergency |
| New Jersey State Police (find your local station) | Via njsp.gov | Emergency |
| New Jersey VINE | Via vinelink.com | Emergency |
| NJ Office of the Attorney General — Victims of Crime Compensation Office | 877-658-2221 | Statewide |
| NJ State Office of Victim Witness Advocacy | 866-326-7206 | Statewide |
| NJ Courts — Restraining Order Information | Via njcourts.gov | Statewide |
| NJ Child Abuse Hotline (State Central Registry) | 1-877-652-2873 | Specialized |
| NJ Adult Protective Services Hotline | 1-800-792-8820 | Specialized |
Frequently Asked Questions — Reporting Stalking in New Jersey
How do I report stalking in New Jersey?
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, file a report with your local police department or county sheriff's office — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker. Bring dates, messages, photos, and witness names, and ask for the complaint or case number before you leave.
What should I do first if I think I'm being stalked in New Jersey?
Stop engaging and start documenting. Save every message, call log, and screenshot with dates and times, and keep a written log of each incident. Then report it to local law enforcement using the contacts in this guide, and call 911 any time you are in immediate danger.
How do I get a protective order in New Jersey?
VASPA order: the Victim Assistance and Survivor Protection Act covers stalking and cyber-harassment by anyone, regardless of your relationship to them. Domestic Violence Restraining Order: used instead when you and the stalker are family or household members, or have a child together. File at Superior Court: unlike a domestic violence order, a VASPA order can only be evaluated at the Superior Court — not a local police station or municipal court.
Is there a fee to file a protective order in New Jersey?
Filing fees vary by court in New Jersey, but many protection-order petitions for stalking victims are free or fee-waived. The court listed in this guide can confirm the current fee before you file.
Can I get financial help for stalking-related costs in New Jersey?
Yes — New Jersey has a victim compensation program that may help cover medical, counseling, and lost-wage costs. Contact NJ Office of the Attorney General — Victims of Crime Compensation Office at 877-658-2221.
What counts as stalking under New Jersey law?
Stalking is a repeated pattern of unwanted conduct — following you, repeated calls, texts, or messages, showing up uninvited, tracking your location, or making threats — that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety. In New Jersey, a protective order is generally available regardless of your relationship to the stalker.
Can I report stalking in New Jersey if the stalker lives in another state?
Yes. File the report where you live or where the stalking occurred. If the behavior crosses state lines, tell the officer — some cases may involve cross-jurisdiction or federal enforcement.
Can I report stalking anonymously in New Jersey?
You can submit tips anonymously through statewide hotlines, and many child and adult abuse hotlines accept anonymous reports. For a criminal case, your name may need to appear on the report — ask the agency about its confidentiality policy.
What evidence should I save when reporting stalking in New Jersey?
Save every message, email, voicemail, screenshot, and call log with dates and times; keep a written incident log; and note any witnesses. Back everything up to a secure location the stalker cannot access.
Where can I download the printable New Jersey reporting guide?
You can download the free New Jersey reporting guide as a PDF at https://www.stalking.org/Stalking.org-Reporting-to-New-Jersey-Officials.pdf. It includes every phone number and court contact in one printable sheet.
Disclaimer
The information on Stalking.org is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, medical advice, or mental-health advice, and it does not create an attorney-client or other professional relationship. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 (United States) or your local emergency number — Stalking.org is not a crisis hotline. Laws and platform policies change frequently, so always consult a qualified attorney, law enforcement officer, or licensed professional about your specific situation.
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