10/10/02

Mendham Township Proclaims October Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The Mendham Township Committee has proclaimed October Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic violence affects all of us.  The numbers only begin to tell the story.  Police Reported 77,680 domestic violence offenses in New Jersey in 2000, and research shows that domestic violence is underreported.  Children are involved or present during 39% of those offenses.  Domestic violence complaints filed even after prior court orders are issued against the offender increased 17% over the year before.  Alcohol and drugs are involved in 32% of the reported offenses.  Women are the victims in 78% of all domestic violence offences.  People over the age of 60 are victims in 3% of the reported domestic violence offenses, but were 21% of the victims (8 out of every 39) of the domestic violence murders.  Domestic violence occurs in every community in New Jersey .

What Can You Do to Help Prevent Domestic Violence?

Domestic Violence is our business: everyone has to play a role in ending domestic violence.  To learn more about how you can help to prevent domestic violence in your community or workplace, or to learn how to help a friend, co-worker or neighbor who is being abused, call Jersey Battered Women’s Service, Inc. at 973-267-4763 or  the New Jersey Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-572-SAFE (7223). You can also go online at www.njcbw.org to find more information.