By Amy Batista, Special Writer
HIGHTSTOWN – The Borough Council recognized the work of Womanspace during its meeting Monday night with a resolution.
“This month being National Domestic Violence Awareness Month I would like to give a resolution and proclamation recognizing the work of Womanspace,” said Councilman Seth Kurs and police commissioner to the police department.
Councilman Kurs, along with Mayor Larry Quattrone, presented the resolution to Janet Ginest, a volunteer with Womanspace.
“The Borough of Hightstown finds it appropriate to recognize organizations that have contributed to the overall benefit of the community,” Councilman Kurs said as he read the resolution.
Womanspace, founded in 1977, has provided comfort, support services, crisis intervention and safety to women, children and men who are victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, said Mr. Kurs.
“Womanspace, in the belief that “peace begins at home,” has asked the Mercer County community to join them in their struggle against violence toward women, children and men,” he said.
He said that Womanspace has provided emergency shelter in secure locations and comprehensive services for victims of domestic violence since 1977 and sexual assault since 2002, for more than 39,169 women, 5,383 children and 1,016 men.
“Womanspace has assisted more than 204,015 callers over the last 30 years,” he said. “The Borough of Hightstown applauds the efforts of Womanspace to bring an end to the circle of abuse imposed on women, children and men,” he said. “The mayor and council urge each and every household to demonstrate their support of the concept that “peace begins at home”
He said the mayor and council commends Womanspace on its many accomplishments, and wishes it continued success in its endeavors to assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
“Ms. Ginest and myself went through the original training of the very formation of the Domestic Violence Response team training,” he said. “We both served as volunteers and although my career path has taken me away from being a volunteer in that capacity, Ms. Ginest has continued all these years.”
Ms. Ginest said that they were part of the first one in New Jersey in 1998.
Mr. Kurs said he thanks her personally for all her dedication and for all of the help that she has provided over the years.
“We have appreciated all of the support we have gotten from him (Mayor Quattrone) through all of the years and the community,” Ms. Ginest said.
