Abuse often hides behind closed doors. A friend, neighbor, colleague, or family member may be living in fear while appearing perfectly fine to the outside world. Domestic violence is more than physical harm. Rather, it’s a pattern of power and control that can include emotional manipulation, financial control, sexual coercion, stalking, intimidation, and digital abuse. Whatever form it takes, the result is the same: A person’s safety, dignity, and independence are gradually taken away.
Jewish tradition teaches that every person is created B’tzelem Elohim, in the image of God. When someone’s sense of safety and self-worth is threatened, we are called to respond with compassion, justice, and care.
A Hidden Crisis in Our Community
During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we recognize an issue that touches families in every community, including our own here in South Jersey. While October brings greater attention to domestic abuse, the need for awareness, prevention, and action exists year-round.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 41% of women and 26% of men have experienced physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime. More than 61 million women and 53 million men have experienced psychological aggression from a partner. Studies also estimate that abuse affects between 15% and 25% of Jewish households.
Behind every statistic is a person struggling in silence- -often feeling trapped by financial dependence, concerns about children, fear of their abuser, shame, or lingering feelings of love for someone who has hurt them deeply. Over time, abusers work to narrow a person’s world until seeking help feels impossible.
At Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS), we believe everyone deserves to live free from fear and abuse.
Meeting People Where They Are
This is why Project SARAH (Stop Abusive Relationships At Home), our domestic violence program, is designed differently than many crisis services. Unlike programs that can only assist after someone has left an abusive relationship, Project SARAH can begin supporting people while they are still living with their abuser– meeting them at the threshold of readiness, without judgment.
Our highly trained staff works alongside each person at their own pace, helping them navigate challenges and connect with the resources they need. “Our goal is to help Project SARAH clients do more than survive. We help them thrive,” shared Hilary Platt and Marci Rosenstein, Project SARAH co-managers. “We provide nonjudgmental support, advocate for legal aid and housing, assist with safety planning, and offer support groups. It is truly an honor to support clients on their journeys to safety and healing.”
In the past year alone, Project SARAH worked with more than 70 individuals and families, providing case management, support groups, counseling referrals, financial assistance, food and housing support, advocacy, and connections to critical community resources. Safety planning, trust-building, and healing take time. But with each person’s path being unique, our goal remains constant: To provide hope, dignity, and a pathway toward independence.
Building Hope, Creating Safety
Last year, JFCS lost Charlotte’s Place, our safe-house apartment, when the building where it was located was sold. Thanks to the vision of our staff and the generosity of the Keim Family Foundation and an anonymous donor, Project SARAH’s Bridge to Safety was created to help fill that gap. This temporary sheltering program provides individuals and families in crisis with a safe place to stay while they secure more permanent housing–offering stability and hope during a difficult transition.
Breaking the Cycle Before It Starts
Prevention is equally vital. Through programs such as Building Healthy Relationships and Packing for College, we help young people recognize unhealthy behaviors, establish healthy boundaries, and build respectful relationships. Last year, these initiatives reached more than 3,000 teens throughout our community, helping to prevent abuse before it begins.
A Call to Community
Domestic abuse thrives in silence and isolation. But change often begins with something simple: Checking in on a friend, listening without judgment, sharing resources, or reminding someone that they are not alone.
No one deserves to be abused. No one should have to face these challenges in isolation.
As a Jewish community grounded in tzedek (justice) and chesed (loving-kindness), we are called to support those affected by abuse, shatter stigma, and ensure that no one has to navigate these challenges alone. When we lead with compassion, listen without judgment, and connect people to the support they need, we help build a community where everyone can live with safety, dignity, and hope.
If You Need Help
If you or someone you know needs domestic violence support, please contact JFCS at (856) 424-1333 and ask for “Sarah” or email ProjectSarah@jfedsnj.org All communications are confidential.
Twenty-four-hour crisis assistance is also available at:
- Camden County: (866) 295-7378
- Burlington County: (877) 871-7551
- Gloucester County: (866) 295-7378
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233
Together, we are stronger. Together, we can break the silence and build a future free from abuse.
