During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, NewBridge is providing information and resources.
Once treated as a private family matter, domestic violence is now recognized for what it is: a violent societal problem that touches every community.
Physical abuse is only one way domestic violence is perpetrated, and other forms — emotional abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, and stalking — can be insidious. It’s estimated that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men have experienced domestic violence in their lifetime. Due to the intimate relationship between perpetrator and victim, incidents often go unreported.
During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, NewBridge Services is sharing information and a list of resources to connect people affected by domestic violence with help.
“No one should be subjected to domestic abuse of any sort and it has no place in society,” NewBridge Services CEO Michelle Borden said. “By shedding light on it, we increase opportunities for people affected to get the support they need to change their circumstances and ultimately heal.”
Also known as intimate partner violence, domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior by someone to gain or maintain power and control over a current partner or former romantic partner. This can include behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, terrorize, coerce, threaten, and/or harm someone. Typically, domestic violence becomes more frequent and severe over time.
According to research, about 10% of children are exposed to domestic violence each year, and that, in turn, becomes a risk factor for domestic violence in adulthood: boys who grow up witnessing domestic violence and internalizing a message that females are not equally respected are more likely to become abusers. Girls who witness domestic violence are more likely to be victimized by their romantic partners.
Be mindful if your partner or former partner:
If you have experienced domestic violence or fear you are at risk, contact any of the resources below. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 to contact police. NewBridge Services’ licensed and certified counselors provide individual and family counseling. Call (973) 316-9333 or email services@newbridge.org.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233. Anyone who feels unable to speak safely by phone can log onto thehotline.org or text START to 88788.
The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline is available to teenagers and parents. Call 1-866-331-9474 or text “loveis” to 22522.
The New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-572-SAFE (7233) can help connect callers to resources and services near them.
New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NJ CASA), 1-609-621-4450
NJ Human Trafficking Hotline, 1-855-END-NJ-HT (1-855-363-6548)
The Statewide Sexual Violence Hotline, 1-800-601-7200, connects victims of sexual violence with professionals who provide assistance and referrals.
The Women’s Referral Central Hotline, 1-800-322-8092, provides referrals and information regarding violence, discrimination, housing, displaced homemakers, divorce, and other issues.
The Jersey Battered Women’s Services has a 24/7 helpline at 1-877-R-U-ABUSED (1-877-782-2873) and operates a safe house and transitional residential programs. JBWS provides crisis response, legal advocacy and counseling.
The Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Intervention Services (DASI) has a 24/7 helpline at 973-875-1211 and operates the DASI safe house. Legal advocacy assistance is also available, at 973-579-2386.
The Passaic County Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (PCDSVS) has a 24-hour hotline, 973-881-1450, and provides domestic violence response teams of trained volunteers to police departments to assist victims. PCDSVS also provides supportive case management, individual counseling and support groups.
Survivors who receive support and treatment can — and do — recover from domestic violence, going on to live fulfilling, happy lives. SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) has joined forces with the National Domestic Violence Hotline and other federal entities to promote the hashtag #1Thing for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The #1Thing campaign urges everyone to do one thing to spread the word about domestic violence, whether sharing messages on social media, volunteering with DV support organizations, organizing a workplace training, or reaching out to a relative or friend who may be experiencing violence and abuse. Please join the #1Thing movement.
*Huecker MR, King KC, Jordan GA, et al. Domestic Violence. [Updated 2023 Apr 9]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499891/
###