It takes a lot of courage and strength for someone to leave an abusive relationship. It’s not easy. In fact, it can feel really scary and hard. A person leaving an abuser often has many problems to deal with all at once—like not having enough money, finding a safe place to live, taking care of children, not having enough food, or being sick without help. They might also feel very alone, with no one to turn to.
When someone decides to leave an abusive partner, they are not only trying to stop the violence. They are also trying to leave behind all the things that kept them trapped. Starting over means building a new life where they can feel strong, believe in themselves, and become independent.
Getting a Final Restraining Order (FRO) is an important first step. It helps protect the victim from the abuser. But it’s not the end of the journey. If the person doesn’t have the support they need—like money, education, job skills, or emotional help—it can be really hard to move forward. Without this help, they might feel forced to go back to the abuser or end up in another abusive relationship.
That’s why helping someone escape domestic violence means more than just giving them a restraining order. It means helping them put all the pieces of their life back together.
Thankfully, there are many groups and organizations that help. Some work with people from certain cultures so they feel more comfortable and understood. Others help anyone, no matter where they’re from. These groups offer important services like therapy, job training, English classes, shelters, and housing help.
Even with help, starting over after abuse is very hard. But without the FRO, it’s even harder. That’s why the FRO is just the beginning of the journey to a safer and better life.
View our Guide to Services below to find domestic violence programs throughout New Jersey. These listings include NJCEDV members, culturally specific groups and other community organizations providing domestic violence-related services.
NJCEDV’s membership includes 33 domestic violence programs providing a range of services for survivors, their children, and partners who cause harm throughout New Jersey.
