The COVID-19 pandemic makes it dangerous for New Jersey residents to leave their homes. We are all advised to “stay safe, stay home.” For victims of domestic violence, home is the most dangerous place of all.

Many adults cannot go to work. Children are not in school. Stores, malls, libraries, gyms, restaurants are closed. Social distancing discourages visits with extended family or friends. Fear, anxiety, frustration and uncertainty are running high. Families are together day and night. In a domestic violence situation, this is the perfect storm to trigger an escalation in abuse.

In an ordinary year, domestic violence agencies in New Jersey serve over 18,000 victims of abuse. As the state-designated lead domestic violence agency for Middlesex County, Women Aware supports 1 out of every 8 of those victims. In these unprecedented times, we are seeing an alarming increase in domestic violence. We see it in the types of calls our hotline workers are receiving and in victims’ desperate need for emergency shelter. Lives are in danger.

It is imperative that victims in Middlesex County know they are not alone. For 40 years, we have been providing comprehensive services for victims of domestic violence and their children. We operate the only 24-hour domestic violence emergency shelter in the second largest county in the state. We continually operate at full capacity, and despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, we remain fully operational and in compliance with CDC and NJ Department of Health guidelines regarding the health and safety of clients and staff.

Women Aware is on the front lines for victims reaching out for help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our hotline – 732.249.4504 (Toll-free 833.249.4504) – provides safety planning, crisis intervention and resources.

Our on-site staff speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Urdu, Hindi, German and Italian. Hundreds of other languages can be translated in the moment. No resident should ever worry that language is a barrier to asking for help.

If it is too dangerous for a victim to reach out directly, a trusted family member or friend can call our hotline (732.249.4504 – Toll-free 833.249.4504). We need to look out for each other during this crisis. Victims need to know they are not alone.

We are here. We can help.

Nearly 100 people gathered at a community forum last week to listen, learn and discuss the need for a Family Justice Center (FJC) that will provide support and resources under one roof for victims of domestic violence in Middlesex County. Hosted by Women Aware, the forum launched a two-day study tour for the Alliance for HOPE International, whose internationally-recognized FJC model has been proven to reduce domestic violence homicides as well as recidivism rates for perpetrators.

To view the NJTV News segment on the FJC community forum, click here.

Acknowledging the breadth of services that the prosecutor’s office, law enforcement, human services providers, attorneys and others provide to victims in Middlesex County, CEO Phyllis Yonta stated, “We work better together.” To gather as much input as possible on the FJC concept during the study tour, Alliance consultants met with key stakeholders from across the county, including survivors.

Anyone, who would like to have a voice in the FJC discussion, may complete the Alliance for HOPE International’s community survey by clicking here.

Thank you to Dawn Benjamin and Wicker Memorial Baptist Church for raising $2,000 at their October Tricky Tray in support of Women Aware. We are grateful for your partnership in supporting survivors moving beyond abuse.

The Allergan Foundation awarded Women Aware a $10,000 grant to provide comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence. Pictured are Foundation Executive Director Gwyn Grenrock (l) and Women Aware Development Director Susan Dyckman at Allergan’s reception for grant recipients.