The NJ State Senate voted December 11, 2023, 34-0, to add “coercive control” language to the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act. Once Governor Phil Murphy signs it into law, this language will require judges to consider the impact of coercive control exercised on victims by their abusers, in deciding whether to grant a Final Restraining Order. The passage of this legislation is the result of tireless efforts by the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence, and a number of advocate groups, organizations and individuals, who recognized the importance of including this language in NJ statute. This legislation will continue to help victims move beyond abuse.

From October 16 – October 31, you can round up your in-store purchases at Macy’s East Brunswick and donate your change, up to $.99, to benefit Women Aware. Macy’s is located in Brunswick Square, 755 NJ-18 Ste 100, East Brunswick.

This is an easy way to support victim-survivors of domestic violence and their children in Middlesex County. You can make a difference because every cent counts in support of the free and confidential services that Women Aware provides: 24/7 hotline, 24/7 emergency shelter, legal advocacy, support groups, children’s trauma reduction therapy, and community outreach.

Thank you for shopping to benefit Women Aware!

In Middlesex County, New Jersey, victim/survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking now have a new way to learn about, and connect with, the free and comprehensive services available to them. It is the Middlesex County Family Justice Center website at https://middlesexcountyfjc.org. The website is funded by a grant from the U. S. Department of Justice Office for Violence Against Women 2021 Improving Criminal Justice Responses to Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Grant Program (ICJR). The site offers information on the help and services available, accessing help, safety planning, connecting with resources, and on news and events.

“The website offers victim/survivors information about, and access to, services provided by more than a dozen Family Justice Center partners, including domestic violence, law enforcement, legal, immigration, culturally-specific, human, social, and housing service providers,” explained Middlesex County Family Justice Center Direct Mildred Torres. “To better serve the rich diversity among our neighbors in Middlesex County, the FJC website site is translatable, at the click of a button, into 12 languages.”

The Middlesex County Family Justice Center is the first of its kind in the County and only the fifth in the State of New Jersey. The goal of the Family Justice Center is to reduce domestic violence homicides, and increase the safety and confidentiality of domestic violence survivors and their children in collaboration with co-located victim services agencies. The FJC helps survivors and their families get the resources and support they need in one location.

Women Aware is the Lead Partner in the Family Justice Center and responsible for its day-to-day operation. “The breadth of services available to victim-survivors through the Middlesex County Family Justice Center is a testament to our partners’ collective commitment to a strong coordinated community response to domestic violence and sexual assault in our community,” stated Women Aware Chief Executive Officer Phyllis Yonta.

Partners include The County of Middlesex (the Middlesex County Office of Human Services, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Middlesex County Center for Empowerment, and REPLENISH), Central Jersey Legal Services, Jewish Family Services, Partners for Women and Justice, American Friends Service Committee, Middlesex County Board of Social Services, NJ DCF Division of Child Protection and Permanency, Coming Home of Middlesex County, Manavi, Town Clock Community Development Corporation, A Partnership for Change, Dress for Success Central New Jersey, and Middlesex County Family Court.

The Family Justice Center is located at 100 Bayard Street, Room 406, New Brunswick and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. Women Aware’s domestic violence hotline is available 24/7 at 732-249-4504, toll-free at 833-249-4504.

Website Designer – Raygun Design

Website Developer – Mangrove

To read Women Aware’s June 2023 newsletter, click here.