For victims of domestic violence in Montclair, there’s a place to go for help.   

In the United Way Building beside the library at 60 South Fullerton Avenue, the non-profit legal services of Rachel Coalition and Partners for Women and Justice provide free legal services to low-income families affected by domestic violence.  

“In Essex County, there are about 5,000 incidents of domestic violence reported each year,” says Jane Hanson, the Executive Director of Partners for Women and Justice. “All you have to do is pick up the paper to read about a person who murdered his wife or the mother of his children because she was trying to break free of an abusive relationship.” 

Hanson’s words will resonate for area residents who followed the horrific case of Monica Paul, a Montclair mother of two who was murdered in front of her children by her abusive husband in 2008.  Though the case was not connected with Rachel Coalition or Partners for Women and Justice, it is an example of how important it is for victims of domestic violence to seek effective help and protection.

“People who are thinking of leaving (an abuser) should be sure to contact a domestic violence agency like Rachel Coalition,” says Suzanne Groisser, Coordinator of Legal Services for the Rachel Coalition.  It's a step that will enable the victim to leave “in a manner that’s safe for her and the children.”

Groisser noted that people aren’t always clear about what defines ‘domestic violence.’  In brief, it’s defined as “a pattern of coercive control that can involve physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional and psychological abuse,” she explained.

Often when the physical injuries are healed, victims continue to suffer from the after-effects of psychological abuse.  Examples of psychological abuse are when a domestic partner yells at, ridicules or humiliates his partner; isolates her from family and friends; tries to control where she goes or what she does; blames her for the failures in their relationship; and/or who seeks revenge against her by punishing or depriving their children or threatening to take the children away from her.

Danger signals include locking the victim in or out of the house, destroying her property, denying her access to finances or taking her car keys.  Any of these situations can quickly escalate to full-scale physical and/or sexual violence.  

The legal process usually begins when the victim calls 911 or goes to her local police station or the Family Courthouse in Newark.  Hanson cautions, “If there is immediate physical danger (the victim should) call the police.”  As soon as a report is made the legal process swings into action – and quickly.

After obtaining a temporary order of protection, the victim will have to go back to Family Court in Newark for a Final Restraining Order Hearing before a Superior Court Judge.  At the courthouse, a victim may meet with a Rachel Coalition court advocate volunteer who will help explain what to expect at the upcoming court hearing.  The advocate will also provide emotional support and referrals for a range of services. 

Clients may additionally require emergency services during this time period, including psychological counseling and immediate legal advice for issues involving safety, custody and financial help.  This is where Rachel Coalition and Partners for Women and Justice can help.

Groisser explains that there is, at the most, a 10-day turnaround time before a court hearing takes place, though it often happens within five to seven days.  It is important to make the most of this time beforehand by contacting legal services, in order to get the best outcome at the hearing.  This can be done through the Essex County Family Justice Center in Newark or by calling Rachel Coalition and Partners for Women and Justice.  Though the client may obtain a final restraining order (FRO) or other protective measures at the hearing, there can be individual circumstances that make the process unpredictable and difficult.

Each legal  case is handled by either by the Rachel Coalition staff attorney, the Partners for Women and Justice staff attorney or one of the 100+ pro bono attorneys who are part of a joint program run by the Rachel Coalition and Partners for Women and Justice.  

Providing services that are pro bono (“for the public good” in Latin) means clients can receive legal representation free of charge.  This empowers victims of domestic violence who could not otherwise afford an attorney to advocate for their rights.   This is integral to the goals of Partners for Women and Justice and the Rachel Coalition, which aims to help victims regain  control of their lives. 

“Sad to say, the problem of domestic violence is huge,” says Hanson, noting that it transcends economic, racial and religious boundaries.  She estimates that of the roughly 70,000 reported incidents of domestic violence in New Jersey each year, about 500 are handled by Partners for Women and Justice or the Rachel Coalition.

“I’m helping empower (victims of domestic violence) to live the life they deserve, free from violence and harassment,” says Groisser.  “I love working with clients because they let me into their lives and often inspire me with their strength.  Together we get safety for them and their children.” 

The Rachel Coalition is a partnership of nine northern New Jersey organizations including the Jewish Family Service of MetroWest,Women's Philanthropy of United Jewish Communities of MetroWest New Jersey; National Council of Jewish Women - Essex County Section; National Council of Jewish Women - West Morris Section; Saint Barnabas Medical Center; The Rabbinic Cabinet of MetroWest; Hadassah - Northern New Jersey Region; Jewish Women International - North Atlantic Region; and JCC MetroWest.  

Rachel Coalition and Partners for Women and Justice and serves residents of Essex, Morris, Union, Hudson and Bergen Counties.

 For further information about the legal program call Partners at: 973-233-0111

For further information about Rachel Coalition call: 973-765-9050

https://www.rachel@rachelcoalition.org 

http://www.pfwj.org/

If you would like to become a Rachel Coalition Court Advocate Volunteer contact:

sgroisser@jfsmetrowest.org

 If you or someone you know needs help, call 973-740-1233 ( 24 hour hotline) and ask for Rachel

Or call the Essex County Domestic violence hotlines:  973-759-2154  or  973-484-4446