Morris County Commemorates Domestic Violence Awareness Month with New Proclamation

The Board of County Commissioners honors JBWS and addresses the rising statistics during a recent public meeting in Morristown.

During their recent work session meeting, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners presented a proclamation declaring October 2023 as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” to JBWS President and CEO Diane Williams, highlighting the ongoing issue that continues to affect the community at alarming rates.

Who: The Morris County Board of County Commissioners, along with Diane Williams, President and CEO of JBWS.

What: The Commissioners presented a framed proclamation declaring October 2023 as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” in Morris County.

Where: The proclamation was presented during a work session meeting in Morristown.

When: The event took place this week, corresponding with the nationwide observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.

Why: The proclamation aims to raise awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence in Morris County and to promote the programs available to survivors.

How: The Commissioners and JBWS have a long-standing partnership, further fortified by unique programs that address the multi-faceted problem of domestic violence.

"Every year, we need to acknowledge that domestic violence continues to be a widespread issue. While the pandemic certainly heightened an environment for domestic abuse to occur, we can't ignore the factors that encourage its prevalence today,” said Commissioner Director Krickus. He also revealed concerning statistics, noting that JBWS answered 4,532 helpline calls in 2022 and cited underreporting as an ongoing issue.

Founded in late December 1978, JBWS has grown to be a vital resource in Morris County. The agency now offers a comprehensive array of services, supporting survivors from various angles. In partnership with numerous county departments and organizations, JBWS founded the Morris Family Justice Center in 2016.

Housed on the 4th floor of the Admin and Records building, the Morris Family Justice Center offers a unique, integrated system for survivors. This one-stop center provides a range of services including counseling, legal assistance, and child services. It's a model recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice and one of only two such centers in New Jersey.

"In just the first nine months of this year, 747 individuals have required the same level of assistance," said Williams, indicating a significant rise in the number of people seeking help. "From 2021 to 2023, we saw an 85% increase in the number of victims that needed shelter in Morris County."

For those in need of immediate assistance, the 24-Hour Helpline & Referral is available at 1.877.R.U.ABUSED or 1.877.782.2873. Online chat options are also accessible via the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

For more information about the services offered by the Morris Family Justice Center, you can visit their website at morrisfjc.org/.

The proclamation serves as a reminder that domestic violence remains a pressing issue in Morris County. As the county and organizations like JBWS work in tandem to provide increasingly comprehensive services, the community is urged to stay informed and utilize available resources for prevention and assistance.