JBWS Turns 50!
Posted onIn 1976, domestic violence was considered a private family matter that was simply not discussed. Community members were taught not to see bruises on a victim, not to hear the…
Morris County 24-Hour Helpline & Referral: 1.877.782.2873
Passaic County 24-Hour Helpline & Referral: 1.973.881.1450
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 Helplines and Emergency Safe House Shelter Programs assist survivors on their path to safety.
Members of Morris County's Crisis Response Team (CRT) and Passaic County's Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT) are on-call 24/7 to respond to the police department, hospital, safe space in the community or connect virtually with a person experiencing abuse.
Our Legal Advocacy Programs are available to support those in need of legal protection and can meet survivors at the Superior Courthouse in Morristown or in Paterson.
Please call our 24-Hour Helplines to talk with a counselor about all of your options.
Support
Our Center for Healthy Relationships offers 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 for Morris County residents through a coordinated collaboration of partner agencies.
Our Jersey Center for Non-Violence counseling services helps individuals from Morris County 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.
2024 Annual Report
Domestic violence grows in silence, and this year JBWS focused on breaking that silence in all elements of our work. We focused on increasing our community education initiatives, our staff, volunteers, and survivors advocated for domestic violence funding in front of the New Jersey Legislature, and we continued to dismantle the cycle of violence through our extensive programming.
In this annual report, you will learn how JBWS offers safety, support, and solutions to those impacted by domestic violence. We explain the significance of each service JBWS offers such as our Crisis Response Team, counseling services, and abuse intervention program, and how they directly help to end the cycle of violence.
In 2024, we took our goal of educating the community to another level by launching a podcast, Unsilenced: Real Conversations About Abuse. Our podcast explored taboo topics relating to abuse through raw, unfiltered conversations. Through it, we were able to break the silence surrounding domestic violence beyond our immediate community.
Thank you to everyone who supported JBWS in 2024! We cannot do this work without your support. Ending the stigma associated with abuse takes all of us. Thank you for helping us save and change lives.
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
Can Choking During Sex Ever Be Truly Consensual?
Posted on January 14, 2026Choking your partner during sex, also called sexual choking, is becoming increasingly common, particularly among teenagers and young adults. But is it possible to consent to choking? Can you consent…
What is Healthy Fighting? How to Disagree With Respect
Posted on October 14, 2025The term healthy fighting might send oxymoronic but that doesn’t mean it’s untrue. It is possible to fight with your partner in a healthy way and to disagree with respect….
Safety Planning 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 focus on safety planning for domestic…
Is My Partner Controlling Me? How to Recognize Controlling Relationships
Posted on April 28, 2024Would you know how to recognize controlling relationships? Have you ever wondered what the line is between communicating needs and exerting control over you? Power and control is at the heart…
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…
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 2025.
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.
