[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 146 (Monday, October 3, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1743]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING JERSEY BATTERED WOMEN'S SERVICES

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 3, 2011

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jersey Battered 
Women's Services, JBWS, located in Morris County, New Jersey, as it 
celebrates its 35th Anniversary.
  JBWS was originally founded in 1976 by a small group of women who 
began a hotline to aid victims of domestic violence. The need for a 
confidential center became urgent and apparent when two callers were 
murdered by their husbands. In December of 1978, JBWS opened its 
shelter doors to those in need of a safe house away from an abusive 
family member.
  With more than 75 paid staff and 120 volunteers, JBWS is a full-
service, private, nonprofit domestic violence agency with a mission to 
prevent domestic violence through the protection and empowerment of the 
victim, the rehabilitation of family members, the advocacy of social 
reform to prevent partner violence and the education of the public 
about domestic violence and its consequences. Victims of domestic 
violence, no matter their age, race, gender, religious affiliation or 
ethnic background need solace and support at a time when the one they 
often turn to is the one they are running from.
  JBWS provides fully confidential services to victims to allow for 
their privacy and protection. They offer numerous programs including 
legal services, transitional living and counseling. Their counseling 
services are not only for victims and their children, but also for the 
batterer. JBWS understands that while protecting victims is important, 
it is also important to educate the batterer on alternative ways to 
address their anger.
  In addition to their 24 hour hotline and safe house, education for 
the prevention of domestic violence is JBWS's overarching mission. As 
domestic abuse is a largely unreported crime, JBWS hopes to abolish the 
view that family violence is a private matter through the education of 
victims, teens and community members.
  No one should be afraid to go home. JBWS gives victims of domestic 
violence the opportunity to create a new safe place to call home.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in recognizing 
Jersey Battered Women's Services, its board, dedicated staff and 
volunteers on its 35th anniversary.

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