Domestic violence is often thought of as something that happens somewhere else.
In another town. In another family. Behind someone else’s closed doors.
But advocates say the reality is far closer to home than many people realize.
“Domestic violence and sexual assault are everyone issues,” says Joelle Piercy, director of outreach and community engagement at Safe + Sound Somerset.
For nearly five decades, Safe + Sound Somerset has worked quietly but powerfully behind the scenes to support survivors across the region. The organization provides a 24-hour helpline, emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy and community education for individuals impacted by domestic and sexual violence.
Last year alone, the nonprofit served more than 7,000 individuals throughout Somerset County.
For Gabriella Dudajek, digital marketing and outreach coordinator, the work has revealed how widespread these experiences can be.
“You don’t realize how many people in your life experience some sort of violence,” she shares. “It touches everybody.”
While the conversations surrounding domestic violence often focus on the immediate crisis, Safe + Sound’s team also sees the long-term transformation that can happen when survivors are supported.
Advocates share stories of individuals who arrive feeling overwhelmed and emotionally burdened, but leave with renewed independence and stability.
“We’ve seen survivors leave the safe house, find jobs, buy homes and rebuild their lives,” emphasizes Dr. Hasnaa Mokhtar, vice president of advancement. “There’s healing and transformation that comes from this work.”
A Community-Wide Effort
Addressing domestic violence requires more than emergency support. It also requires legal protection, education and strong community partnerships.
That is where the team at Lyons & Associates, P.C. has stepped in with a new initiative designed to expand legal support for survivors.
Attorney Nicole L. Atlak, Esq., Chair of the firm’s Domestic Violence Practice Group, notes one of the biggest challenges survivors face is navigating the legal system without representation.
“If they do not have privately retained counsel, survivors, as plaintiffs to a domestic violence complaint in family court, are expected to present their own case in court, including testifying and presenting evidence in a way that satisfies their legal burden of proof. For many survivors, that can be incredibly overwhelming, and sometimes, a little discouraging,” she explains.
Unlike criminal cases, where defendants may be entitled to free representation and complainants have their interests represented by prosecutors, litigants proceeding with domestic violence actions in Family Court are not automatically afforded legal representation. As a result, many survivors must represent themselves in court, managing the complex procedural requirements while navigating the deeply personal and emotionally difficult weight of the litigation.
To help address this gap, Lyons & Associates, spearheaded by Nicole Atlak and the firm’s managing partner, Theresa A. Lyons, Esq., MSW, partnered with Safe + Sound Somerset to create a specialized training program for attorneys.
The curriculum combines legal strategy with trauma-informed education, helping lawyers better understand the realities survivors face both in and out of the courtroom.
“We’re teaching attorneys not only how to present these cases effectively, but also what domestic violence actually looks like and how trauma can impact a survivor’s experience,” Nicole says.
The program has already been approved and accredited by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a continuing legal education course, allowing attorneys to earn professional credits while gaining deeper knowledge about domestic violence advocacy.
The goal is to expand the training across New Jersey, ensuring survivors have access to informed, compassionate legal representation. In exchange, volunteering attorneys accepting cases on a pro bono basis will satisfy necessary state licensing requirements.
Breaking the Silence
Despite growing awareness, domestic violence remains a difficult topic for many communities to discuss openly.
“There’s still a lot of stigma and shame associated with it,” Mokhtar shares. “People often think it happens to someone else, not to us, until it hits close to home.”
Education is a critical part of breaking that stigma.
Safe + Sound Somerset regularly works with schools, nonprofits and community organizations to teach young people about healthy relationships and warning signs of abuse.
Advocates say these conversations can help prevent violence before it begins.
By addressing trauma, they also strengthen the broader community. Studies show that violence and abuse are linked to higher rates of mental health challenges, substance abuse and chronic health conditions.
“When we support survivors and work to prevent violence,” Piercy explains, “we’re creating a safer and healthier community for everyone.”
Looking Ahead
As Safe + Sound Somerset approaches its 50th anniversary in 2028, the organization continues to expand its outreach and partnerships.
For leaders on both sides of the collaboration, the message is simple. Domestic violence is not just a personal issue. It is a community issue that requires collective action.
“This work requires a community-wide response,” Piercy says. “There’s a place for everyone to get involved.”
Through advocacy, legal support and education, organizations like Safe + Sound Somerset and Lyons & Associates are helping ensure that survivors across New Jersey know one important truth:
Help is closer than they might think.
If You or Someone You Know Needs Help
Safe + Sound Somerset provides confidential support and resources for individuals experiencing domestic violence or abuse in Somerset County.
Services include crisis counseling, safety planning, emergency shelter, legal advocacy and community education. Support is available for survivors at any stage, whether they are seeking immediate help or simply looking for information about their options.
24/7 Helpline (Call or Text)
866-685-1122
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Administrative Office
908-359-0003
Mailing Address
PO Box 835
Somerville, NJ 08876
Legal Support You Can Trust
Lyons & Associates, P.C. provides experienced, compassionate legal guidance for individuals navigating family law matters, including divorce, custody and domestic violence cases.
With offices throughout New Jersey, the firm works closely with clients to explain their options and guide them through every step of the legal process.
Confidential Consultation
908-829-6959
Somerville
76 East Main St., 2nd Floor
Somerville, NJ 08876
Morristown
60 Columbia Road, Building B, Suite 150
Morristown, NJ 07960
Freehold
62 Thoreau Drive
Freehold, NJ 07728