Jewish Family Service of Central NJ (JFSCNJ) will present a four-session virtual support group, “Empowering Yourself Against Abusive Relationships,” Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. starting Nov. 6 and continuing on Nov. 13, 20, and Dec. 4. Facilitated by Marta Otero and Monique Carpenter, the group will help participants improve their self-esteem while exploring ways to identify and distance themselves from abusive relationships.

Marta Otero, LSW, is a licensed social worker who earned bachelor and master’s degrees in social work from Rutgers University, Newark and has worked with children and families who have experienced domestic violence, abuse and abusive relationships. Her previous experience involved providing psychotherapy services as a domestic violence advocate in the court system and she now provides psychotherapy services for children and families at JFSCNJ.

Monique Carpenter, currently a master’s of social work graduate student at Stockton University in Galloway, New Jersey earned a degree in psychology at Montclair State University. She has experience working with children and families who have encountered abuse and neglect through the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP), formerly known as DYFS, for over 20 years. She has interned in a hospital setting and is currently interning at JFSCNJ.

The support group is free of charge but registration is required to attend. Contact Carpenter at [email protected] or Otero at [email protected], or call (908) 352-8375, ext. 247 for further information.