Developing a Safety Plan for Domestic Violence
Posted on September 19, 2025If you are in an abusive relationship, whether or not you are planning to leave that relationship, it is always a good idea to develop a safety plan. It can…
24-Hour Helpline & Referral: 1.877.782.2873
Hablamos Español Interpreters Available
JBWS text/chat is now available.
Deaf/Hard of Hearing: Text (973) 314-4192
Chat or text with an advocate by going to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, click on “Chat Now”; or text LOVEIS to 22522.
JBWS is a private, confidential service welcoming ALL survivors of dating, domestic, or partner abuse (and their family members) regardless of severity of the abuse, marital status, income, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or ethnicity.
Safety
Our 24-Hour Helpline, Emergency Safe House Shelter, and Transitional Living Program assist survivors on their path to safety.
Best practice guidelines are in place to keep our residents safe during Covid-19.
Please call our 24-Hour Helpline to talk with a counselor about all of your options.
Support
Our Center for Healthy Relationships offers specialized counseling programs designed to support adults, adolescents and children impacted by partner abuse.
Our Morris Family Justice Center, led by JBWS, provides support and legal resources through a coordinated collaboration of partner agencies.
Our Jersey Center for Non-Violence counseling services help people examine their use of control, force and/or abuse within intimate relationships and learn alternatives.
Survivors come to us with many experiences of power and control, whether in the form of interpersonal violence or racism or the many other forms of oppression, and they cannot be separated one from the other. We are here to support you across the breadth of your experiences. Read our full statement.
Solutions
Our professional training programs, community education presentations, and youth and school programs have been adapted successfully to online platforms during Covid-19. Become part of the solution. Invite us to speak to your group today. Learn more.
Our mission is the prevention of domestic violence. JBWS recognizes that all forms of violence and oppression are connected and stands with our Black community and Communities of Color as we work toward building a society that is just, equitable and safe for all.
Learn more about the impact of Domestic Violence in Communities of Color.
2023 Annual Report
2023 was marked by a pervasive crisis that greatly impacted JBWS and other domestic violence agencies across New Jersey. Because of JBWS’ extensive options for housing services, we were able to abate the effects of the shelter crisis on our clients. In addition to an Emergency Safe House Shelter, known as Arbour House, JBWS has a Community Housing Assistance Program, a Rapid Rehousing Program, and a transitional living program.
JBWS has been aware of the growing need to expand our residential services since the 1990s. In fact, 2023 marked the 25th anniversary of breaking ground on the Carol G. Simon House: A Transitional Living Resource facility that houses our transitional living program. It is in our residential facilities that survivors are given the time and space to develop vital skills to rebuild their lives. We support survivors in all aspects of their life offering them the chance to build their financial wellness, improve their literacy, reduce food insecurity, and ease barriers to independence.
As this Annual Report demonstrates, 2023 was a year of rising to meet the diverse needs of our clients.
Survivors Stories
Some of our brave survivors of abuse share their stories of perseverance, hope, and how they found their strength with help from JBWS.
If you or someone you know needs help, call our 24/7 confidential helpline: 1-877-R-U-ABUSED.
Candy's story
Margaret and Claire's story
Jaraun's story
Vanessa's story
News & Events
News
Is My Partner Controlling Me? How to Recognize Controlling Behaviors in Relationships
Posted on April 28, 2024Does your partner ever have a right to tell you what you can and can’t do? Where is the line between communicating needs and exerting control over you? Power and…
Can Punching a Hole in the Wall Be Abusive? Understanding the Role of Intimidation in Abusive Relationships
Posted on April 25, 2025Punching a hole in the wall is something that has become somewhat normalized in moments of anger or frustration. The internet is filled with articles, social media posts, and videos…
Is Threatening to Break Up With Someone Controlling?
Posted on April 25, 2025If you are thinking about breaking up with your partner, then break up with your partner. Threatening to repeatedly leave the relationship unless your partner changes a behavior you don’t…
Breaking the Binary: When Survivors of Abuse Become the Accused
Posted on March 11, 2025There is a moment when the world tilts. A moment when the person you love, trust, and have built a life with turns against you. The moment when words become…
“There’s No Way Out” The Link Between Domestic Violence and Suicide
Posted on March 10, 2025Domestic violence and suicide are two topics that people may feel uncomfortable discussing due to the stigma they carry. However, domestic violence is considered a risk factor for suicide and…
How the Strong Black Woman Stereotypes Harms Black Victims of Abuse
Posted on March 7, 2025While strength may seem like a positive attribute, the belief that Black women are uniquely strong may prevent victims of abuse from seeking help. They may hold a false belief…
How to Recognize Signs of Abuse in Teen Relationships
Posted on February 25, 2025Mood swings, excessive phone usage, and spending less time with family might be normal for some teenagers or it could be a sign that they are experiencing dating abuse. Understanding…
Fear of a Coffee Cup – Why Context is Crucial to Understanding Stalking
Posted on January 29, 2025Would seeing a cup of coffee terrify you? What if it was made exactly how you like it from that new café you just found? What if you found the…
Why Do People Abuse Others?
Posted on January 7, 2025Why do people abuse their partners or family members? What could cause a person to inflict harm on people they love? These are questions that anyone familiar with domestic violence…
Events
Each year, JBWS hosts numerous, diverse events to raise critical funds to support those impacted by domestic violence! The funds raised at our special events help us provide life saving services to our clients. There is something for everyone!
Help Us
Volunteer
Volunteers are crucial in JBWS' mission to end domestic violence.
Wish List
Your donations help defray our costs and meet our resident's most basic needs.
Arrange a Program
Invite us to speak at your school, college, workplace, club meeting or more!
Fundraising Committee
Come join JBWS' Friends Fundraising Committee!
Recognitions
JBWS achieved the Platinum Seal of Transparency on GuideStar, once again in 2024.
For details, visit GuideStar.org.
Charity Navigator, America’s premier independent charity evaluator, has awarded JBWS a four star rating. JBWS was named to Charity Navigator’s Top 10 List of the most highly-rated charities in New Jersey.
For details, visit CharityNavigator.org.
The national 2025 Purple Ribbon Award winners have been announced and JBWS is proud to have winners of five awards: Annual Report of the Year, Advocate of the Year, Hopegiver of the Year, Most Innovative Service, and Outstanding Legislator.