Here to help survivors move beyond
Here to help survivors move beyond
Service providers are working together to better serve victim-survivors and their families with a coordinated community response to domestic violence and sexual assault.
What to expect when you visit the Family Justice Center
Victim-survivors can expect a warm welcome at the Family Justice Center from advocates who listen. An advocate will ask you to share your story one time. From there, advocates and partners will work with you to create an individualized plan to keep you safe and moving forward. Working collaboratively, partners meet clients where they are, providing comprehensive services that are free of charge.
Victim-survivors may choose to make an appointment, or simply walk in for service. No more finding transportation to multiple locations. No more having to repeat their story over and over and endure re-traumatization.
A trauma-informed Intake Specialist will greet and register each victim as they enter. After the initial intake, they will meet with a caseworker to determine what their individual needs are and develop a customized safety plan.
Our services and programs
Domestic violence and sexual assault services
The Family Justice Center supports victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking with victim-centered, trauma-informed services through the collaborative efforts of Women Aware, the Middlesex County Commissioners, Middlesex County Office of Human Services, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, The Middlesex County Center for Empowerment, and many other county-based organizations.
Legal advocacy, services and advice
The Family Justice Center brings together legal services with legal advocacy services, improving collaboration between service providers and enhancing access to free legal services and advice for victims. We have a network of volunteer attorneys, including legal representatives from Central Jersey Legal Services and Partners, to assist victims with family law issues such as child custody, divorce, filing for protection orders, and more.
Immigration services
At the Family Justice Center, partner American Friends Services Committee offers legal representation in immigration cases to low-income survivors of domestic violence and other crimes, and provides training to Center staff and partners on immigration matters. Central Jersey Legal Services provides an immigration paralegal onsite to connect immigrant victims with resources such as U Visa, T Visa, VAWA self-petition and other immigration consultations.
Child protection services
The mission of the NJ DCF Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) is to ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and to support families. Women Aware’s Domestic Violence Liaisons work in partnership with DCP&P to strengthen and enhance service coordination between child protection and domestic violence services.
Housing assistance
Women Aware’s Housing Navigation program coordinates housing services for survivors of domestic violence, implements housing best practice standards, and assesses and assists survivors in need of rental and relocation assistance. As Family Justice Center partners with expertise in housing matters, Town Clock Community Development Corporation and Coming Home of Middlesex County assist in securing safe and affordable housing for low-income victims.
Counseling
Through the Family Justice Center, victims have access to behavioral health and counseling services through internal partner Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County and external partner Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.
Financial assistance and and access to public benefits
Women Aware works with victims of domestic violence to make them aware of their eligibility for crime victims’ compensation through the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO). Staff are trained on the program’s availability and requirements, and work with clients to review the assistance available and help them complete applications. Family Justice Center partner Middlesex County Board of Social Services administers Federal and State public assistance programs such as Medical Assistance Programs, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), General Assistance (WFNJ/GA), and Food Stamps (SNAP).
Referrals to community resources
Victims are provided with referrals to community resources, including services from offsite providers, based on their unique needs.
