Virtual Auction To Help Fight Domestic Violence In Morristown

MORRISTOWN, NJ—JBWS, a nonprofit that aims for the prevention of domestic violence by protecting and empowering victims, rehabilitating family, social advocacy, and education, will hold a fundraising virtual auction this week.

The 8th Annual "Autumn Auction For Hope" will take place virtually on October 6 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on apparel and accessories, including new and gently-used designer bags, jewelry, gift cards for restaurants and local retail, home decor, and various experiences and services. The event will include an online silent auction, instant buy items, and a program for participants.

According to Helen Le Frois, Vice President of Development, JBWS (formerly Jersey Battered Women's Service) is a full-service anti-domestic violence organization in Morristown, and one of the largest anti-domestic violence organizations in the state.

"We have a 24/7 help line," Le Frois said, "an emergency safe house shelter and a transitional living facility. We provide safety, support, and solutions for all victims of domestic violence."

Le Frois said JBWS is one of the only organizations in the state that have a "batterers intervention program" that works with abusers to help break the cycle of violence. She said JBWS also has a dating abuse prevention program that is presented to local schools and organizations.

According to Le Frois, cases of domestic violence have soared since the pandemic began. The shelter remained open and full during the shutdown. Ironically, she said, calls to the shelter hotline actually dropped to "eerily quiet" levels during the quarantine.

"The governor's mandate to stay home and stay safe worked great for covid," Le Frois said, "but not great for victims of domestic violence who were with their abusers 24/7."

The need for fundraising is clearer than ever, Le Frois said, since the shelter is currently full and demand for services increasing. The auction is typically a big event, but this year, of course, it has to be virtual. Le Frois is still hoping for lots of participation.

"Our community fundraising is definitely down this year," Le Frois said, "because our church groups aren't doing tricky trays and those types of things, so the Autumn Auction for Hope is even more important this year."

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