In New Jersey, Women Aware celebrates 50 years of helping survivors of domestic violence
Before Women Aware’s Middlesex Family Justice Center opened three years ago, survivors of domestic violence in Middlesex County, New Jersey, had to visit up to 42 different locations to find help.
Each service available to help them—from law enforcement and overnight sheltering to child protection and legal advice—operated out of its own space.
After years of watching their 2,000 yearly clients crisscross the county to seek aid, Women Aware established a hub of services to better support victims who are escaping harmful situations and rebuilding their lives after abuse.
The Middlesex Family Justice Center is that hub—“a one-stop shop for victims of violence,” says Phyllis (Philly) Yonta, Women Aware’s CEO for the past 20 years.
Services are provided free of charge, including those delivered by community partners.
The center is a culmination of 50 years of supporting survivors. Women Aware was founded in 1976 as a domestic violence phone hotline and a shelter for those in imminent danger.
The organization continues to offer a 24/7 hotline, through which they respond to more than 10,000 calls per year. Annually, the shelter protects approximately 250 people, mostly women and children.
Today, Women Aware is the state-designated lead domestic violence agency for Middlesex County. The non-profit envisions a society where individuals can live free from violence and injustice. Their services are curated to stabilize the lives of victims, increase their safety, reduce barriers to accessing protection and help them to lead safe and healthy lives.
“We want to help move victims beyond abuse,” Yonta explains.
On Oct. 20, Women Aware celebrated its 50th anniversary with the Spotlight Awards, an event to commemorate the organization’s profound impact in the community.
As a consistent supporter of Women Aware, we’ve awarded the organization $45,000 in Enbridge community grants since 2021. We’re proud to support the organization’s vital work to keep victims of domestic violence safe and help them rebuild their lives.
We’re also proud and honored to have received the Voice of Partnership award at the event. It’s a privilege to be part of Women Aware’s partner network, and we applaud the organization’s significant contributions to the people of Middlesex County.
“Along with our partners in the community, we serve as a support network,” Yonta says. “The difference between a victim who stays (in an unsafe situation) and a victim who leaves is that they have a support network.”
Adds Yonta: “We're saving lives every day.”
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, look up an agency near you for support and safety.
