(WHITE TOWNSHIP, NJ – October 27, 2021) – The Warren County Board of County Commissioners is urging residents to work together to raise awareness about domestic violence and support those who have been victimized.

The board proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, noting that domestic violence will not be eliminated without a concerted effort among the community at large. The commissioners recognized the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Warren County for its work with victims of domestic violence, presenting the proclamation to two representatives of the organization.

After reading the proclamation aloud, County Commissioner Lori Ciesla, board liaison for human services, said domestic violence affects everyone of every age. “It can be a child with a parent, a child with a grandparent, a parent with another parent… mostly we think of spousal, but it affects everybody,” she said.

Noting that the COVID-19 pandemic probably made matters worse, because people lacked access to their usual escapes, Ciesla said she was grateful to DASACC for all of its efforts to help those suffering from domestic violence to extricate themselves from bad situations. “It is extremely difficult,” she said, explaining, “A lot of times the financial ties are what keep people there, and they might just be too young, or they don’t know that they can survive.”

Commissioner Jason J. Sarnoski joined in expressing appreciation to DASACC, which he said was an integral part of our community. He noted that the organization recently suffered a housing loss due to fire, so it certainly was deserving of our support. Speaking to the large audience attending the County Commissioners meeting, Sarnoski remarked, “Please support DASACC – give them a check on your way out!”

Commission Director James R. Kern III said he had the privilege of knowing a number of people working at DASACC during his time in public office. “They operate in all 22 municipalities in Warren County, they expanded into Hunterdon County, they work with our Human Services Department, and with all of our police departments to provide safe space for those who are going through incredibly difficult times,” Kern noted.

Kern said it was crucial to have an organization like DASACC in Warren County, but they need funding. “After what they’ve gone through, after such an incredible year, anything that the general public can do to help this organization remain whole and in Warren County is greatly appreciated,” said.

Rochelle Ostenfeld and Evan Austin of DASACC accepted the proclamation presented by the Commissioners and county Human Services Director Shawn Buskirk. “Unfortunately, we do know that domestic violence is alive and well in Warren County, and it affects all of us,” Ostenfeld said, as she provided some statistics from the prior year. DASACC provided 4,576 bed nights of emergency shelter, with an additional 2,335 bed nights at hotels. More than 20,733 meals were provided to residential clients, the Help Line answered 2,597 calls, and 2,929 individual and group counseling sessions were provided by DASACC.

“The need is great in Warren County, so please remember us, and be aware,” said Ms. Ostenfeld.

Learn more about the organization at www.dasacc.org.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

 OCTOBER 2021

WHEREAS, in 1991, the New Jersey Legislature found and declared that domestic violence is a serious crime against society; and

WHEREAS, domestic violence affects people of all ages, races, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship, disability status, neurodiversity, age, mental health, substance use, and any other aspect which makes a person unique; and

WHEREAS, survivors of domestic violence must deal with the effects of physical injuries, psychological damage, financial barriers, and trouble finding safe housing; and

WHEREAS, everyone should be free from violence; and

WHEREAS, no one should feel unsafe in their own home; and

WHEREAS, domestic violence will not be eliminated without a concerted effort amongst the community at large; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Warren County Board of County Commissioners in conjunction with the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Warren County hereby proclaim the month of October 2021 as DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH and urge residents to work together to raise awareness of this important issue and support those who have been victimized.

            James R. Kern III, Director                   Jason J. Sarnoski, Deputy Director                   Lori Ciesla, Commissioner

        Board of County Commissioners               Board of County Commissioners                  Board of County Commissioners