Family Justice Center (FJC) is a free and confidential walk-in center for domestic violence victims who are seeking help. To make services more accessible, several agencies are located in one facility.

New Jersey’s first FJC was established in 2010 to provide co-located and coordinated services to domestic violence victims and their children.

At the Essex County FJC, questions and concerns are addressed on a one-to-one basis. First-time visitors meet with a bilingual Screener who will explain the support services available, then help arrange access to the needed services. The mission of the Essex County Family Justice Center is to enhance the safety and autonomy of domestic violence victims and their children by providing accessible and coordinated services in one location.

The FJC is open to all victims and survivors of domestic or intimate partner violence in Essex County, regardless of gender, race, age, culture, marital status, sexual orientation, immigration status, or disability.

Essex County FJC provides intervention and prevention services that strengthen long-term family healing.  All services are culturally responsive and accessible at the Center.

• Provide individual and group therapy/counseling for victims of domestic violence
• Provide referrals to emergency shelter
• Conduct risk assessments
• Establish a safety plan for clients and their family members
• Provide referrals for children's counseling
• Provide information about victims' rights under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act
• Provide information regarding criminal cases
• Provide assistance to clients with open  DYFS cases to navigate the Child Welfare System
• Assist with Welfare benefits, food stamps, Medicaid, SSI.

FJC Legal Services

• Specially trained legal professionals assist with obtaining temporary restraining orders for victims of domestic violence.
• Give information and referrals on other legal matters such as immigration, visitation, child support and custody, divorce, landlord/tenent eviction actions and consumer law matters.
• Provide court accompaniment when available.

Criminal Justice Services

• Assist victims in navigating the criminal justice system.
• Provide assistance in filing contempt charges when  a violation of a restraining order occurs.
• Provide assistance with the documentation of all domestic violence crimes.
• Provide court accompaniment when available.

Victims of Crime Compensation Benefits
Assistance in submitting claims to the Victims of Crime Compensation Organization (VCCO) for reimbursement of expenses incurred as a result  of a crime, such as medical expenses, relocation expenses and mental health counseling.

Community Services	Legal / Advocacy Legal Assistance
Health Services	Behavioral / Mental Health Family Conflict & Distress Crisis / Safety Crisis / Safety / Prevention Intellectual and Developmental Needs Advocacy
Treatment Services	Outpatient Services Counseling / Therapy, Individual

Last Updated: 08/11/23