Morris County Prosecutor’s Office highlights domestic violence awareness, support services
MORRIS COUNTY, N.J. — The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office is recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of supporting survivors, preventing abuse and connecting victims with available resources.
This year’s national theme, “With Survivors, Always,” emphasizes the need for continued support, action and advocacy for victims of domestic violence.
According to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, approximately 30% of men and women in New Jersey experience physical violence, rape or stalking by an intimate partner. Nearly one in four women will experience intimate partner violence during their lifetime.
The prosecutor’s office said New Jersey recorded 41 domestic violence homicides in 2024.
New Jersey’s Prevention of Domestic Violence Act includes protections such as mandatory arrests under certain circumstances, firearm seizures and domestic violence restraining orders intended to protect victims at risk.
The prosecutor’s office also recognized JBWS, formerly known as Jersey Battered Women’s Service, which is celebrating 50 years of providing assistance to domestic violence survivors.
JBWS serves women, men and members of the transgender, nonbinary and gender-nonconforming communities, offering assistance during vulnerable periods in their lives.
The organization helps victims and survivors navigate the legal system, including Family Court proceedings involving civil restraining orders, child custody and matrimonial matters.
JBWS also assists individuals involved in criminal court proceedings and provides resources for safety planning, financial assistance and counseling services.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll praised the organization’s work and reaffirmed his office’s commitment to addressing domestic violence.
“The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office congratulates JBWS on their outstanding efforts to advocate for survivors of domestic violence and their families. My office remains committed to providing justice to victims, survivors and their families by holding offenders accountable, and collaborating with JBWS and other community stakeholders to provide community outreach programs to educate the public on the dangers of domestic violence, including teen dating violence, non-fatal strangulation and the use of technology that perpetrates domestic violence.”
The prosecutor’s office said it continues to partner with the Morris County Family Justice Center, which provides multiple services for domestic violence victims at one location.
The center, located at 10 Court St., fourth floor, in Morristown, offers domestic violence counseling, legal representation, housing assistance and access to law enforcement protections.
Officials said the center is designed to make it easier for victims to obtain assistance without having to visit multiple agencies.
Anyone experiencing domestic violence or seeking help for someone else can contact the Morris County Family Justice Center at 973-829-4050 or visit www.morrisfjc.org.
Assistance is also available through local police departments or the domestic violence hotline at 1-877-R-U-ABUSED (1-877-782-2873).
