This October, Morris County joined communities across the nation in observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month, reaffirming its commitment to standing with survivors and ending the cycle of abuse. During a public meeting held in Morristown, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners formally recognized the observance with a proclamation presented to Diane Williams, President and CEO of JBWS, an organization that has been at the forefront of providing safety, support, and advocacy for survivors since 1976.
Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen, who led the presentation, emphasized the far-reaching impact of domestic violence and the importance of collective action. “Domestic violence is not a private issue—it affects families, workplaces, and entire communities,” Selen said. “In Morris County, we are proud to work alongside JBWS, which has been providing safety, support, and life-changing solutions for survivors for nearly five decades.”
Williams shared key data illustrating the scope of JBWS’s ongoing work. Over the past year, the organization’s Crisis Response Team conducted more than 1,100 interventions for victims seeking immediate help. The Morris Family Justice Center, a central hub for survivor advocacy and legal assistance, supported over 1,300 individuals, while Arbour House, JBWS’s emergency shelter, provided refuge for nearly 200 adults and children escaping dangerous situations.
According to Williams, raising awareness remains one of the most critical components in addressing domestic violence. “The biggest challenge we face is the silence,” she said. “Too often, survivors suffer alone, unsure where to turn. By breaking that silence and building awareness, we make it easier for victims to come forward and access the help they need.”
JBWS offers a comprehensive network of services designed to help survivors rebuild their lives. From emergency shelter and transitional housing to counseling, financial literacy programs, and youth prevention initiatives, the agency focuses on safety, empowerment, and long-term stability. Its Morris Family Justice Center, founded in 2016 through collaboration among law enforcement, legal professionals, and social service agencies, brings multiple resources together under one roof—an approach that has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice as a national model for survivor support.
The Justice Center is one of only two of its kind in New Jersey, offering victims of domestic abuse a single, confidential location to access counseling, protective services, legal advocacy, and child-centered support. This coordinated effort streamlines access to critical services and reduces the barriers that can make it difficult for survivors to seek help.
As JBWS approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026, the milestone serves as both a celebration of its impact and a reminder that the work is far from over. Each year, the organization’s reach grows through education, outreach, and partnerships with schools, community groups, and law enforcement—an effort that continues to change lives throughout Morris County and beyond.
For those in need of support, help is always available. The JBWS 24-Hour Helpline & Referral can be reached at 1-877-R.U.ABUSED (1-877-782-2873). Survivors can also contact The National Domestic Violence Hotline by chat or by texting LOVEIS to 22522.
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Morris County’s observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month reflects a larger message: that safety, dignity, and justice should never be out of reach. With dedicated partners like JBWS leading the way, the county continues to stand firm in its mission to create a community where every person can live free from violence and fear.
