County has high domestic violence rate

Recently national headlines reported domestic violence incidents that resulted in the murders of two women.

One man murdered his wife and young son and then took his own life. The second woman was pregnant when her boyfriend killed her. Such tragedies highlight the importance of getting help and support long before situations escalate to dangerous or even lethal levels.

Monmouth County has the fifth highest rate of reported domestic violence incidents in the State of New Jersey with nearly 6,000 police reports last year alone. At 180 Turning Lives Around, we serve as a crucial resource offered to residents of Monmouth County affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. Last year, we received a total of 4,258 domestic violence related calls and 2,392 sexual assault hotline calls.

As a private nonprofit organization, 180 is dedicated to providing shelter, counseling, protection, support, prevention, education and advocacy. 180 is the only agency in Monmouth County that offers a domestic violence shelter and specialized services for families.

Readers should know that domestic violence affects all socioeconomic, racial, ethnic and religious groups. It can range from verbal, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse to behaviors that are used to humiliate, control, intimidate, or threaten an intimate partner or someone in a dating relationship. Often, what may begin as verbal abuse can escalate to emotional or physical abuse.

If you or someone you know is currently involved in a potentially dangerous situation, please take the time to protect them or yourself by calling one of our toll free 24-hour crisis hotlines: domestic violence 1-888-843-9262; sexual assault 1-888-264-RAPE; or visit www.180nj.org. Together we can move one step closer to ending domestic violence and sexual assault.

Anna Diaz-White

executive director

180 Turning Lives Around, Inc.

Hazlet