a new law signed on Monday by Governor Murphy aims to make it easier for victims of abuse to get a restraining order the law closes a so-called stranger loophole for victims who don't have a relationship with their abuser until now judges only issued protective orders without a criminal conviction for domestic violence cases or in stalking cases if the victim was a minor or had a mental disability well the new legislation expands that criteria and will include all stalking and cyber harassment cases to qualify for restraining orders Advocates have long called it a critical step towards saving lives and preventing frightening behavior from turning to harm though critics warned the measure could be too broad and bogged down the state's already strained court system [Music] [Music]