Morris County Honors JBWS on 50th Anniversary
Published on October 16, 2026
Domestic Violence Organization Began as a Survivor-Run Hotline in 1976
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners honored JBWS earlier this week for 50 years of service in combating domestic violence and aiding survivors of abuse, presenting a framed resolution of honor during a special luncheon at the Morris Museum in Morris Township.
The resolution, presented by Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw and Commissioner Deborah Smith on behalf of the entire board, proclaimed that: “JBWS be recognized and commended for its 50 years of outstanding service to the community and that all residents support those working diligently to end violence in our lives.”
JBWS was founded in 1976 as a hotline by a small group of domestic violence survivors determined to provide relief for others experiencing isolation, loss of control and fear from living in a violent household. The founders took victims into their own homes for protection, and one woman’s personal phone number became the 24-hour helpline, according to JBWS.
The Morris County Resolution of Honor noted that, as hotline calls increased, the need for safety became more urgent following the tragic murders of two callers. The Morris County community rallied and raised the funds to open the Jersey Battered Women’s Service shelter in 1978. The organization later became known simply as JBWS as its mission expanded.
Over five decades, JBWS has grown from a hotline, safe house and counseling services to include transitional living, support for children and adolescents, batterers’ intervention services, and housing assistance. It also offers programs for school-based teen dating abuse prevention and professional training.
Its services are available to all victims of domestic violence, regardless of the severity of the abuse, marital status, income, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or ethnicity.
In 2016, JBWS founded the Morris Family Justice Center in partnership with the county’s Department of Human Services, Prosecutor’s Office and Sheriff’s Office, along with the Superior Court and several community partners. The walk-in center in Morristown gives families and people seeking relief from abuse one place for counseling, protection, legal and immigration assistance, child services and more.
It is one of two such centers in New Jersey, and the model is recognized as a best practice in the field of domestic violence by the U.S. Department of Justice.
JBWS has answered more than 230,000 helpline calls, sheltered or counseled more than 115,000 families and educated more than 490,000 teens and adults over the past 50 years, according to the organization. The work is carried out by 75 staff members and more than 200 volunteers, with widespread community support.
In 2024, the last year for which data is available, 72,030 domestic violence incidents were reported to police statewide, according to the New Jersey Domestic Violence Offense Report. About 2,000 are reported in Morris County each year. The resolution notes those figures represent only a fraction of the domestic violence in the community, since most cases are never reported.
The recognition comes during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, observed each October. Last year, the board proclaimed October 2025 Domestic Violence Awareness Month and presented the proclamation to Williams.
Victims and survivors of dating, domestic or partner abuse seeking support can call the JBWS 24-Hour Helpline & Referral at 1-877-782-2873. Spanish-speaking interpreters are available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline also offers chat with an advocate at thehotline.org, or by texting LOVEIS to 22522. More information about the Morris Family Justice Center is available at morrisfjc.org.
Photo 1: Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw presents a Morris County Resolution of Honor to JBWS President and CEO Diane Williams with Commissioner Deborah Smith.
Photo 2: JBWS President and CEO Diane Williams (center) was congratulated by Commissioner Debra Smith (l) and Morris County Department of Human Services Director Kasey Errico (r).