THANK YOU to Women Aware’s frontline workers serving victims of domestic violence 24/7 on our Hotline (732.249.4504 Toll-free 833.249.4504) and in our Safe House. Non-residential services continue remotely.
Director of Client Services Maliha Janjua was interviewed virtually for Facebook Live by New Jersey Divorce Solutions CEO Christina Previte to share information about Women Aware’s services to victims of domestic violence who are not safe at home during the COVID-19 crisis. Click on When #StayAtHome Isn’t Safe to hear the full interview.
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.
We hope this finds you in good health. The COVID-19 crisis presents new challenges to us every day and we hope you are weathering them as best you can.
This is a particularly dangerous time for victims of domestic violence, who may be confined to their homes day and night with an abuser. Know that Women Aware is here, providing safety planning, crisis intervention and resources for victims 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our emergency shelter and hotline are open. Call 732.249.4504. Toll-free 833.249.4504. Our team stays connected with non-residential clients through remote support.
Working together, we are getting through and looking forward to brighter days ahead.
As COVID-19 spreads, the health and well-being of our employees and clients come first. Be assured that safety planning and resource information for victims of domestic violence continue to be available 24/7 at Women Aware’s hotline: 732.249.4504.
We remain committed to the safety and self-sufficiency of individuals and families affected by domestic violence in Middlesex County. Here is an update on our services:
How You Can Help:
We will respond to this situation as it evolves and keep you informed. Thank you for your support and understanding. We wish you and your families continued good health.
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.
February 19, 2020
9:00am-11:00am
Freeholders’ Meeting Room, Middlesex County Administration Building, 75 Bayard St., New Brunswick
A team from the Alliance for HOPE International, an internationally recognized expert, will be joining us to explore the need to establish a Family Justice Center (FJC) serving Middlesex County. FJC’s serve as a one-stop center for victims of domestic violence. This evidence-based model has been shown to reduce homicides as well as recidivism rates for perpetrators.
Please register here for the February 19 Community Forum:
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.
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