DCF's Division on Women (DOW), Office of Domestic Violence Services (ODVS) funds 23 domestic violence programs and the New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women. There is at least one DCF-designated lead domestic violence program in each of the 21 counties that provides core services.

 Core Services include:

• 24-hour hotline
• 24-hour access to a confidential safe house
• Counseling, support services, and advocacy for victims and children
• legal, financial, and housing advocacy
• community education/ networking

The New Jersey Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline provides a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week confidential hotline for domestic violence victims and others seeking crisis intervention, information and/or referral services

1 (800) 572-SAFE (7233)

To find domestic violence resources by county, click on the related link to view DFCP/DOW's Community Program Directory.       

Peace: A Learned Solution (PALS) Program:
Peace: A Learned Solution (PALS) Program is a trauma informed program for victims of domestic violence.  This intensive treatment program model uses creative arts therapies for children (primarily aged three to twelve), who have been exposed to domestic violence, and their non-offending parent. PALS focuses on therapeutic treatment and supportive services as children and their families heal from the effects of domestic violence.  PALS is available in 11 counties.  To find a PALS programs, click on the related link to view DFCP/ DOW's Community Program Directory.

Domestic Violence Liaison Program:
The Domestic Violence Liaison (DVL) Program is a partnership of DCF, New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women, and county-based domestic violence lead agencies.  The DVL Program, by strengthening and enhancing service coordination between New Jersey's child protection and domestic violence systems, improves safety and outcomes for women and children when child abuse and domestic violence co-occur.

Violence Against Women Certificate Program:
The Violence Against Women Certificate (VAWC) Program is a partnership between DCF and Rutgers University, School of Social Work.

VAWC complements the DVL initiative.  It provides advanced practice training for staff with a demonstrated an interest in and aptitude for working with families where domestic violence is an issue and further develops DCF's capacity to employ best practice when addressing family violence.

Batterer’s Intervention Program:
In 2013, DCF awarded funding to Domestic Violence Lead Agencies in four counties (Atlantic, Middlesex, Morris and Sussex) to establish a Batterer's Intervention Program.  The lead agency in each of these counties leads batterer intervention groups for perpetrators of domestic/family violence.  Additionally, each of the four domestic violence lead agencies assist with training/co-facilitating an Intervening with Batterers training for CP&P staff.  This training provides child welfare staff with enhanced skills and knowledge for working with batterers and engaging fathers who commit domestic violence.

Gender-Specific	Female Only
Health Services	Crisis / Safety Crisis / Safety / Prevention Domestic Violence

Last Updated: 12/13/22