Effective January 1, 2026, the Supreme Court in the attached December 2, 2025 Order has amended Rule 5:7B (Sexual Assault and Survivor Protection Act: Protective Orders) to conform to L. 2023, c. 127, Victim’s Assistance and Survivor Protection Act (VASPA). Additionally, effective January 1, 2026, the Court’s December 5, 2023 rule relaxation order is concluded.
The Sexual Assault Survivor Protection Act of 2015 (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-13 et seq.) (SASPA) authorized the issuance of protective orders for certain victimized persons in situations where the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991 (N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17 et seq.) does not apply due to the lack of a familial or dating relationship between the victim and offending actor. VASPA amends and replaces SASPA by expanding the applicable eligible acts for a protective order under this law. The eligible acts have been expanded to include stalking and cyber-harassment.
Questions should be directed to Assistant Director for Family Practice Joanne M. Dietrich at Joanne.Dietrich@njcourts.gov.
Document Date: Jan. 13, 2026
Publish Date: Jan. 15, 2026