New Jersey Division on Women

NJ Division on Women Overview

The New Jersey Division on Women (DOW) is a pioneering state agency established to serve as the central advocate for the rights and well-being of women in the Garden State. Operating within the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, the Division is headquartered at 50 East State Street in Trenton. Its primary mandate is to create, promote, and expand programs that empower women and support their economic and social self-sufficiency. The DOW acts as a liaison between the government and women’s organizations, ensuring that the voices of women are heard in policy-making processes. It administers state and federal funding to a network of community-based agencies that provide direct services to the public.

Key Programs and Services

The Division oversees several critical support systems. It is the primary administrator for Domestic Violence Services, funding and monitoring emergency shelters and 24-hour hotlines across all 21 counties. The DOW also coordinates Sexual Violence Programs, supporting Sexual Assault Response Teams (SART) and counseling services for survivors. Another vital initiative is the Displaced Homemaker Program, which assists women who have lost their primary source of income (due to divorce, widowhood, or disability of a spouse) in gaining the job skills and education needed to become economically independent. The Division also focuses on issues of Hispanic women, women with disabilities, and general women’s health advocacy.

Facility and Access

The Division’s administrative offices are located in the Capital Center building. As a government facility, visitors are subject to strict security measures. Entry requires valid government-issued photo identification and passage through security screening, including metal detectors. While the DOW headquarters manages funding, policy, and oversight, it does not typically provide direct clinical services or emergency shelter at this specific location; individuals in immediate crisis are usually referred to the network of DOW-funded community providers or local hotlines. Visitors seeking to meet with administrative staff regarding grants or policy matters should schedule an appointment in advance.