Domestic violence happens every day. According to domesticviolence.org, 29% of women and 10% of men find themselves in a domestic violence situation.

Over 12 million people fall victim to domestic violence each year—that is 24 people abused per minute. Unfortunately, the number may be higher as many cases remain undocumented.

Here is everything you need to know about life-saving domestic violence counseling resources in New Jersey:

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is when a partner exhibits patterns of abuse in an attempt to control or dominate the other involved person. There are a variety of types of domestic abuse against a partner.

The process is repetitive and continues typically throughout the duration of the relationship. Domestic violence can happen to:

  • Family members
  • Spouses
  • Intimate partners
  • Cohabitants
  • Children

Types of Domestic Violence

There are varying of abuse that can be considered domestic violence in New Jersey. The most common forms of domestic violence include:

  • Physical abuse – includes pushing, shoving, slapping, punching, grabbing, stabbing, burning, biting, withholding physical requirements such as food and sleep, locking victim out of home, withholding help when victim is injured or sick
  • Emotional abuse – includes tearing down the victim’s self-esteem, distorting reality (gaslighting), indirect threats, threats of physical harm to victim, unmet needs as a form of control and manipulation
  • Financial abuse – limiting access to necessary funds, victim kept on restricted allowance, denying involvement in how funds are dispersed, victim removed from earning own money, money spent before victim can use it for needs
  • Isolation – removal from family, friends, colleagues, anyone who may offer assistance or protection of victim, policing of who is allowed in victim’s life
  • Stalking – severe type of psychological and emotional abuse of victim which includes unwanted pursuit of victim that is consistent and persistent that typically occurs during or after the end of a relationship

Risk Factors for Domestic Violence and Abuse

Although domestic abuse is never acceptable, there are certain risk factors that increase the potential for falling victim to a perpetrator.   As domestic violence occurs from the perpetrator attempting to gain control of the victim, there are certain risk factors associated with domestic violence. They include but are not limited to:

  • Low self-esteem
  • Learned and witnessed behavior
  • Inferiority complex
  • Anger management issues
  • Personality disorders
  • Substance or alcohol abuse

The desire for control over the victim can also be encouraged by the following:

  • Childhood violence and abuse
  • Lower education level
  • Viewing women as inferior to men
  • Alcohol and substance abuse
  • Witnessing domestic violence growing up

Domestic Violence Counseling Resources

If you find yourself a victim of domestic violence in New Jersey, it is imperative to reach out to these life-saving resources. The Office of Domestic Violence Services (ODVS) funds 22 helpful domestic violence programs with the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence.

The main services offered include:

  • 24-hour hotline
  • 24-hour access to private, confidential safe house
  • Legal, financial, housing advocacy
  • Counseling, advocacy for children and victims
  • Support services
  • Community networking and education

The children’s services programs include:

Peace: A Learned Solution Program (PALS)

Peace is a research-based program offered to victims of domestic violence that utilizes intensive, therapeutic services. The program includes art, drama, and dance movements for children as it provides stress release and reduces trauma effects.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy—or TF-CBT—is a treatment for children, adolescents, and associated caretakers. The program is evidence-based and involves child/parent sessions and assists in the healing of PTSD, feelings of shame, depression, and behavioral issues.

To find domestic violence resources in your specific county, visit the website DFCP/DOW’s Community Program Directory.

Hotlines

Additional resources for domestic violence survivors in New Jersey include:

New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline
1 (800) 572-SAFE (7233)
24 hours a day/7 days a week
The New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential access to domestic violence information and services, including crisis intervention, referral, and advocacy. Bilingual and accessible to the deaf and hearing impaired.

New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NJCASA) Hotline
1 (800) 601-7200
24 hours a day/7 days a week
The New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NJCASA) connects individuals affected by sexual violence with professionals that provide assistance and referrals. Calls are routed to the closest rape crisis care center.

NJCASA is the collective voice for victims of sexual violence, their loved ones, and rape crisis centers across New Jersey.

Women’s Referral Central Hotline
1 (800) 322-8092
24 hours a day/7 days a week
The Women’s Referral Central Hotline provides comprehensive information, referrals, active listening, and crisis response for issues confronting New Jersey residents, including but not limited to:

  • Child Care
  • Discrimination
  • Displaced Homemaker
  • Divorce
  • Employment
  • Housing
  • Job Training
  • Legal Assistance
  • Single Parenting
  • Social Services

New Jersey Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Hotline
1 (877) 218-9133
Toll Free-Non-Emergency

The New Jersey Address Confidentiality Program Hotline provides access to domestic violence information and services, including application procedures referral, and advocacy.

Click HERE for additional hotlines and helplines for families.

For more information about domestic violence counseling resources in New Jersey, or about securing a temporary restraining order, please contact The Bianchi Group LLC. Our team of former prosecutors handle criminal and domestic violence cases.