NJCEDV PRESS RELEASE

6/30/16

As we end this month and move into the holiday weekend where many of us will be celebrating our
countrys independence, we must pause to remember the eight lives lost and the communities left
mourning as a result of fatal domestic violence incidents that occurred in four communities across
New Jersey.
June 1, in Fair Lawn, Barbara Tempe, 73, and Rich Tempe, Sr., 76, were shot and killed by
their son Rich Tempe, Jr., 53, before setting fire to the home they shared and turning the gun on
himself
June 10, in New Brunswick, Pradipkum Shah, 53, was shot and killed by his son Vishal
Shah, 20
June 14, in Jersey City, Monica L. Haddad, 44, was shot and killed by her husband Raymond
S. Haddad, 54, before turning the gun on himself
June 27, in Springfield, Roth Brown, 51, and her father Thomas Brown, 79, were fatally
stabbed by Roths son James Brown, 27, in their shared home While all of these cases made
headlines, there was little discussion within them regarding domestic violence.
In New Jersey, the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act recognizes victims of domestic violence as
individuals who had a relationship with the perpetrator of violence a current or former spouse, a
current or former dating partner, as well as a current or former household member. Domestic
violence takes place in families from all backgrounds and communities and while we often discuss
domestic violence among married or dating couples, the reality is that violence and abuse occurs in
all different types of family and co-habiting relationships.
We have come far in our response to domestic violence in New Jersey. Over the last 40 years, we
have witnessed the development of laws, a strong network of providers, and increased awareness
and education around the issues of domestic violence. But we must go further; this is simply not
enough.
Earlier this week, Acting Administrative Director of the Courts Glenn A. Grant, J.A.D, released the
Report of the Supreme Court Ad Hoc Committee on Domestic Violence. The committee, formed by
Chief Justice Stuart Rabner in February 2015, provided 30 recommendations in the document after
an examination of current domestic violence laws, the interaction between municipal and Superior
Courts in domestic violence matters, resources available to victims of domestic violence, treatment
options for adjudicated offenders, and methods of risk assessment and requirements for education
and training. Committee members included representatives from all three branches of government,
the private sector, academia, advocacy groups and attorneys representing the interests of both
domestic violence victims and offenders. The report is available on the Judiciarys website and
available for public comment until July 29, 2016 (njcourts.gov).
NJCEDV, represented on the Supreme Court Ad Hoc Committee, looks forward to seeing how and
which recommendations the Judiciary prioritizes. It is clear there is a commitment from all involved to
improve our responses to victims and their families, as well a recognition that more must be done to
reduce the number of lives lost to domestic violence in New Jersey every year. Individuals, families,
communities and providers must have the tools, information and resources available in order to
identify and effectively respond to high risk domestic violence cases before they turn fatal.
###

About the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence (NJCEDV):

Known as the New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women (NJCBW) for nearly 40 years, NJCEDV
provides leadership, support and resources on the prevention of domestic violence for all victims in
New Jersey through advocacy, education and training, technical assistance and community
awareness.
Help is Available:
To learn if a relationship is abusive or if abuse is suspected, it is important to take it seriously, get
information and share resources. Help is available in every county and for every victim through a
network of programs dedicated to serving domestic violence victims and their families. The State
Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-572-SAFE (7233). A list of programs and
services is available at NJCEDV.org.