"I felt so trapped and powerless, but I knew that I didn't want my children to grow up thinking that it's okay to hurt someone you love. I decided that enough was enough -- it was time for the hurting to stop, but I didn't know what to do first, who to trust, or where to go for help. Rachel Coalition helped me sort that all out in 'bite size pieces' that I could handle."

COUNSELING SERVICES

The experience of being in an abusive relationship is emotionally confusing. Often, the abusive partner alternates between times of being loving and times of being abusive. Abuse comes in many forms: physical, verbal, psychological, financial and sexual. Often a victim needs help sorting through the many troubling dynamics of her relationship.  Our counseling program helps clients clarify and sort out issues in order to identify potential solutions.  Rachel Coalition provides access to shelter, medical, vocational and legal services as well as support groups and children's services.  

Victims of relationship abuse feel isolated and full of self-doubt.  Our domestic violence support groups help victims feel that they are not alone. In our groups, victims receive validation for their feelings, discover their inner strength and learn useful coping strategies from one another.  Day and evening groups available; child-care provided.

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Rachel Coalition provides individual counseling for the children of adult victim clients. Since 2009, Rachel Coalition has offered Kids Corner, a group for children ages 5 to 12 with a concurrent parenting group for their mothers. This group allows children to express and explore their feelings about having been exposed to domestic violence within their homes. The group reduces the shame and confusion that domestic violence has created for these children. The children improve their communication and conflict resolution skills. The mothers meet in their own group to find support and information to assist them as single parents coping with the effects of domestic violence. The group runs for 12 weeks and is offered on a weekday early evening.

For more information email the Rachel Coalition.

LEGAL SERVICES

Rachel Coalition provides legal advocacy to victims of domestic violence in Essex, Union, Hudson, and Morris Counties. The Rachel Coalition legal department provides direct representation and counsels  eligible clients about domestic violence matters in family court. Through a joint program with Partners for Women and Justice, Rachel Coalition trains and mentors pro bono attorneys to assist victims of domestic violence in final restraining order hearings. The Rachel Coalition Court Advocacy Program provides a bilingual court advocate to work with victims in the domestic violence unit of Essex County Family Court. Our Court Advocacy Volunteer Program trains individuals in Essex County to help victims navigate the court process, access information and referrals, and it provides supportive listening for victims. Our legal committee coordinates with local and statewide organizations to improve the laws and legal system for victims of domestic violence.

For more information please contact via email.

Out of the Shadows Support Group

The Rachel Coalition and Jewish Family Service of MetroWest offer a support group for relatives and friends of domestic abuse victims.  Out of the Shadows will meet for eight sessions at the offices of Jewish Family Service, 256 Columbia Turnpike, Suite 105, in Florham Park.

Participants learn from experts in the field of domestic violence about supporting victims, managing the impact on children, understanding legal issues and processing their own emotional needs.  The group is free of charge.  Pre-registration is required to participate and can be completed by contacting Sylvia Heller at 973-765-9050 x1708 or by email.  All inquiries are confidential.

RESPECT Men's Group

RESPECT Men's Group serves men who have been abusive toward an intimate partner or another family member. Participants include those who are court-ordered and those who join voluntarily. This 26-session program helps men take responsibility for their choices and behaviors in relationships. The group is co-led by a male/female team of mental health clinicians and meets weekly. There is a fee for the group. All meetings take place in Livingston.

For more information, contact 973-765-9050 ext 1742.