Best Domestic Violence in New Jersey — 15 resources

About Domestic Violence for Women

Domestic violence services for women are anchored by the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE), the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and a state coalition in every state coordinated through the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). VAWA funds shelters, transitional housing, legal services, and immigration relief (U-visa, T-visa, VAWA self-petition). Survivors can obtain civil protective orders, address-confidentiality through state ACP programs, and victim advocates through local prosecutor offices. The National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) and StrongHearts Native Helpline serve specific survivor populations. This directory includes hotlines, shelters, state DV coalitions, and protective order resources.

Domestic Violence in New Jersey

New Jersey Superior Court Family Part handles family law in each of its 15 vicinages. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DHS. Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, and Trenton are the largest cities. Legal Services of New Jersey coordinates six regional LSC programs, and the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence (NJCEDV) supports women statewide.

15 Resources

1. NJ Coalition to End Domestic Violence — Free

NJ Coalition to End Domestic Violence is a New Jersey domestic-violence resource helping mothers with safety planning, emergency shelter, protective orders, and trauma counseling. Call (609) 584-8107 to start intake or ask which services you qualify for. Hours are Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, and walk-ins may be accepted depending on staffing. Services are offered at no cost to women who meet program criteria.

(609) 584-8107 · 1670 Whitehorse Hamilton Square Rd, Trenton, NJ 08690 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Women Rising — Jersey City DV Services — Free

Women Rising — Jersey City DV Services works with women across New Jersey on safety planning, emergency shelter, protective orders, and trauma counseling. Reach the team at (201) 333-5700 to schedule a screening. Hours are 24/7 hotline, and walk-ins may be accepted depending on staffing. Services are offered at no cost to women who meet program criteria.

(201) 333-5700 · Jersey City, NJ (confidential) · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

3. Safe+Sound Somerset — Free

Safe+Sound Somerset is a New Jersey domestic-violence resource helping mothers with safety planning, emergency shelter, protective orders, and trauma counseling. Phone (866) 685-1122 for case-by-case eligibility, current openings, and next steps. Open 24/7 hotline — confirm by phone before driving in. Services are offered at no cost to women who meet program criteria.

(866) 685-1122 · Somerset County, NJ (confidential) · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

4. NJ Crime Victims Compensation — Free

Based in Newark, NJ Crime Victims Compensation supports New Jersey women navigating safety planning, emergency shelter, protective orders, and trauma counseling. Phone (877) 658-2221 for case-by-case eligibility, current openings, and next steps. Hours are Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, and walk-ins may be accepted depending on staffing. No fee for eligible women, with intake handled confidentially.

(877) 658-2221 · 50 Park Pl Suite 1500, Newark, NJ 07102 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Manavi — South Asian Women's DV Services — Free

Manavi — South Asian Women's DV Services works with women across New Jersey on safety planning, emergency shelter, protective orders, and trauma counseling. Contact (732) 435-1414 to ask about appointments, documents to bring, and waitlist status. Service hours run Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; ask about after-hours options if needed. Free of charge for women meeting income or program eligibility.

(732) 435-1414 · New Brunswick, NJ (confidential) · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

6. National Domestic Violence Hotline — Free

1-800-799-SAFE (7233) — 24/7 free confidential help for victims of domestic abuse. Call, text START to 88788, or chat online for women experiencing abuse and their children. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

7. Loveisrespect — Free

1-866-331-9474 — 24/7 support for young people experiencing dating abuse. Text LOVEIS to 22522 or chat online for women experiencing abuse and their children. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

8. StrongHearts Native Helpline — Free

1-844-7NATIVE — culturally appropriate domestic and dating violence helpline for Native Americans for women experiencing abuse and their children. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

9. National Coalition Against Domestic Violence — Free

NCADV — coalition of state DV coalitions. Survivor resources, policy advocacy, and safety planning. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

10. Futures Without Violence — Free

National nonprofit working to prevent and end violence against women and children. Resources and training. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. DomesticShelters.org — Free

Searchable database of every domestic violence shelter and program in the US — find help near you for women experiencing abuse and their children. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence — Free

Resources and culturally specific support for AAPI women experiencing violence. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. Casa de Esperanza — Free

Mobilizing Latinas and Latin@ communities to end gender-based violence. Bilingual resources and shelter for women experiencing abuse and their children. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

14. Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) — Free

US Department of Justice office implementing the Violence Against Women Act. Funding and resources. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

15. RAINN — Sexual Assault Hotline — Free

1-800-656-HOPE — Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. 24/7 free confidential support for sexual assault survivors. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many domestic violence resources are in New Jersey?
Women's Corner tracks 15 domestic violence resources for women in New Jersey.
Are domestic violence resources in New Jersey free?
15 of the 15 listed domestic violence resources in New Jersey are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in New Jersey have domestic violence resources?
Listings span cities including Trenton, Jersey City, Somerset County, Newark, New Brunswick.
What are some examples of domestic violence resources in New Jersey?
Featured entries include NJ Coalition to End Domestic Violence, Women Rising — Jersey City DV Services, Safe+Sound Somerset, NJ Crime Victims Compensation, Manavi — South Asian Women's DV Services.
Do these listings include phone numbers?
5 of 15 New Jersey domestic violence listings include phone numbers.
How do I get a restraining order?
Go to your county's family or civil courthouse and ask the clerk for a 'protective order' or 'order of protection' petition — no attorney or filing fee required. Temporary ex parte orders can be issued the same day. A full hearing follows within 10–21 days. Court advocates and DV agencies help fill out forms; bring any evidence (texts, photos, police reports).
Where can I go right now if I'm not safe?
Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (text START to 88788) — they connect you to your nearest shelter, arrange emergency transport, and help with a safety plan. Shelters are confidential, free, and 24/7. If you're in immediate danger, call 911 and ask for a DV advocate at the scene.
Will the shelter take my kids?
Yes. Domestic violence shelters accept women with children — most accommodate boys up to age 17 (a few have age limits around 12–13 for older boys, and will arrange alternate placement nearby). Pets are increasingly welcome through programs like RedRover and Sheltering Animals & Families Together. Bring kids' birth certificates, school records, and any medications if you can.
Is the hotline really free and confidential?
Yes — the National DV Hotline and all state DV hotlines are free, confidential, anonymous, available 24/7, and offered in 200+ languages. Advocates don't report to police, immigration, or CPS unless you request it (mandatory reporting applies only to active child abuse). You can call to plan, vent, or just ask questions before deciding anything.