MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners has proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, highlighting JBWS’ 50 years of service to victims of domestic violence and its partnership with law enforcement to connect people experiencing abuse with immediate support and resources.
Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw presented a framed proclamation to Diane Williams, president and chief executive officer of JBWS, and Robin Hughes, crisis response team project manager at JBWS, during a public meeting last week. They were joined by Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Prosecutor Robert Carroll and members of the Prosecutor’s Office leadership team: Chief of Detectives Mark Castellano, Chief Assistant Prosecutors Meg Rodriguez and Tia Menacchio, and Supervising Assistant Prosecutors Tara Wang and LaJuan Tucker.
“October is observed as Domestic Violence Awareness Month to raise awareness of domestic violence, recognize organizations working to support survivors and encourage efforts to build safe and healthy relationships free from abuse,” said Director Shaw. “We appreciate the partnership between JBWS and law enforcement and the work JBWS has been doing for 50 years to make sure victims of abuse have access to help when they need it.”
Williams and Hughes discussed JBWS’ Crisis Response Team, which works with law enforcement following domestic violence incidents to provide victims with immediate support, safety planning and connections to additional services.
Hughes said the partnership with law enforcement has grown significantly since she began working with police departments more than a decade ago. Seven years ago, following a domestic violence homicide in Morris County, JBWS worked with police chiefs across the county to establish automatic call-outs, allowing officers to request an advocate whenever a survivor seeks help at a police department.
“Our numbers of victim advocates exceed every other county in the state of New Jersey. We have built a partnership where, when a survivor walks into a police department, an advocate is there to support that person, provide resources and explain the restraining order process,” Hughes said. “That connection matters. It can really change the trajectory of someone’s life.”
The program has continued to expand through training for law enforcement, an automated call-out system and coordination with hospitals in cases involving non-fatal strangulation. Hughes said the Crisis Response Team assisted more than 1,000 people at police departments last year, with many requesting connections to additional services such as shelter, counseling and housing assistance.
“I think everyone sees the passion from these two ladies and what they do. You did something that opened up police departments to outside services coming in and joining with them. From that, we’ve built the Morris County ARRIVE Together Program, and other programs have been established throughout the state. I really thank all of you,” Prosecutor Carroll said, also recognizing members of his staff who were present.
JBWS provides emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, transitional housing and other services for survivors of domestic violence and their families. Last year, JBWS’ Crisis Response Team conducted 1,023 interventions. During that same period, 200 adults and children found protection for a combined 8,876 days through Arbour House, JBWS’ Emergency Safe House Shelter and hotel placements. Another 67 adults and children stayed for a combined 10,076 days at the Carol G. Simon Transitional Living Resource Center.
JBWS also operates the Morris Family Justice Center, which marked its 10th anniversary this year, and brings multiple agencies together at the county Administration and Records Building to provide coordinated services to victims of domestic violence. Last year, the Morris Family Justice Center provided comprehensive services from multiple agencies to 579 adults. Another 1,139 people received critical legal advocacy services, while 429 survivors received adult counseling services.
“Our Family Justice Center is celebrating 10 years of those kinds of partnerships, many of them with people in this room. We have incredible partnerships between the county, law enforcement and other nonprofit organizations, and we provided services to 579 survivors in 2025. But what that story doesn’t tell you is that those 579 survivors represent all of the children impacted by those survivors,” said Williams.
Founded 50 years ago by a group of women who recognized the need for a safe place for survivors of domestic violence, the organization initially provided emergency shelter in the homes of its founders before establishing its first shelter in Morris County. JBWS has since grown into a multifaceted agency providing safety, support and solutions for survivors and their families.
“JBWS has been part of Morris County for 50 years, and we are grateful for the people who have made that work possible,” Hughes said. “We have a lot of success stories that people never hear about because they do not make the news. Those successes are happening every day through these partnerships.”
Anyone in Morris County seeking help related to domestic violence can contact the JBWS 24-hour helpline at (877) 782-2873. Services are confidential and available to victims, as well as family members, friends and professionals seeking information about how to help.
