‘Last night was the first time I slept peacefully in years.” At first glance you might think that is a testimonial for a new mattress or some new sleeping aid. In fact those are the words of a domestic violence victim who fled her violent home with her two children in tow and stayed in 180 Turning Lives Around’s emergency safe house. Peaceful sleep eluded her because this mother of two would often be awakened and punched, smacked or even raped by the man who had once pledged to love her.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In Monmouth County, nearly 6,000 family violence incidents are reported to police each year, and children are present or involved in the assaults over a third of the time. 180’s safe house is the only shelter in Monmouth County for victims of domestic violence and last year served over 81 families and 104 children. Our domestic violence and rape hotlines received calls from over 7,000 county residents affected by these crimes.
Communities across the county have teams of 180- trained volunteers partnering with local police departments to accompany and assist victims after an incident of domestic violence. As a result, over 300 families learned about their options and received referrals for services at police departments. Hundreds more were counseled and over 1,700 met with our staff at the Family Court as they sought relief from violence and abuse through the court system.
Domestic violence offenders learned about accountability, responsibility and changing their behaviors through 180’s domestic violence offender’s intervention program, Alternatives to Abuse.
The littlest victims of family violence – children – were given a voice and took their first steps in healing through our Amanda’s Easel creative arts therapy program.
This month, and every month, we urge your readers to join our efforts to create a violence free future where every home is a safe home. For more information about 180 Turning Lives Around Inc., to volunteer or to make a donation, please contact us at (732) 264-9114 or visit us at www.180nj.org.
Anna Diaz-White
Executive Director 180 Turning Lives Around
Hazlet

