MORRIS TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners honored JBWS earlier this week for 50 years of helping domestic violence survivors and working to prevent abuse during a special luncheon at the Morris Museum in Morris Township.
Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw and Commissioner Deborah Smith presented a framed resolution of honor on behalf of the board, recognizing the organization’s five decades of service. The resolution proclaimed that “JBWS be recognized and commended for its 50 years of outstanding service to the community and that all residents support those working diligently to end violence in our lives.”
Founded in 1976, JBWS began as a hotline operated by a small group of domestic violence survivors who wanted to help others experiencing fear, isolation and abuse in their homes. According to the organization, its founders initially provided shelter by taking victims into their own homes, while one woman’s personal telephone number served as a 24-hour helpline.
As calls increased, the need for a dedicated shelter became more urgent, particularly following the murders of two people who had contacted the hotline. The Morris County community subsequently raised money to establish the Jersey Battered Women’s Service shelter in 1978. The organization later adopted the name JBWS as its services expanded.
Over the past five decades, JBWS has grown to provide emergency shelter, counseling, transitional housing, assistance for children and adolescents, intervention programs for people who commit abuse, and housing support. The organization also offers school-based programs aimed at preventing teen dating abuse, along with professional training and education. Its services are available to victims of domestic violence regardless of the severity of abuse, marital status, income, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or ethnicity.
In 2016, JBWS established the Morris Family Justice Center in partnership with the Morris County Department of Human Services, Prosecutor’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, Superior Court and community organizations. The walk-in center in Morristown provides a centralized location where individuals and families experiencing abuse can access counseling, protection, legal and immigration assistance, children’s services and other resources.
According to county officials, the center is one of two of its kind in New Jersey, and the family justice center model is recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice as a best practice in addressing domestic violence.
JBWS reports that it has answered more than 230,000 helpline calls, provided shelter or counseling to more than 115,000 families and educated more than 490,000 teenagers and adults since its founding. The organization currently operates with 75 staff members and more than 200 volunteers, supported by community partnerships and contributions.
The recognition comes during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, observed nationally each October. According to the 2024 New Jersey Domestic Violence Offense Report, the most recent year for which data was provided, police received reports of 72,030 domestic violence incidents statewide. Approximately 2,000 domestic violence incidents are reported annually in Morris County, according to county officials.
The commissioners’ resolution noted that reported incidents represent only a portion of domestic violence cases because many instances of abuse are never reported to law enforcement. The county previously recognized the organization’s work in October 2025, when commissioners proclaimed Domestic Violence Awareness Month and presented the proclamation to a JBWS representative.
Individuals experiencing dating, domestic or intimate partner abuse can contact the JBWS 24-hour Helpline and Referral Service at 1-877-782-2873. Spanish-speaking interpreters are available. Additional support is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at thehotline.org or by texting LOVEIS to 22522. Information about services offered through the Morris Family Justice Center is available at morrisfjc.org.
