Dear Friends of 180,
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and according to national studies, domestic violence directly impacts approximately 1/4 women and 1/7 men, as well as countless family members, friends and communities. These statistics represent our neighbors, friends, colleagues, family members, and possibly even you.
Please consider joining 180 in the month of October especially, or anytime throughout the year, and take an active role against domestic and sexual violence in Monmouth County. Here are some examples of what you can do and how you can show your support and solidarity for survivors and victims in our local community:
- Join 180 on October 16 for our Annual Community Awareness Event at the JBJ Soul Kitchen, Red Bank
- Register to volunteer within our agency
- Start an initiative to collect items for our Safe House
- Educate your child about resources to help assist youth such as 180’s 2ND FLOOR YOUTH Call and Text helpline (www.2ndfloor.org)
Additionally, please take a moment to read below our “YEAR IN REVIEW”. While October is designated National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, our agency is hard at work throughout the year to bring strength, courage and solutions to thousands of survivors and their families. Thank you for supporting 180.
Sincerely,
Anna Diaz-White
Executive Director
PROVIDING SAFETY, SHELTER AND STRENGTH
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SAFE HOUSE PROGRAM
- 262 women, men, and children served
This program offers an emergency shelter for women, men, and children fleeing domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking. Up to 12 families at a time can be accommodated for a period of 30 to 60 days. Residents are provided with counseling, case management, advocacy, and other supportive services.
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HELPING CHILDREN FIND THEIR VOICE
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AMANDA’S EASEL PROGRAM
- 118 parents and children served
- 1,050 sessions provided
- 279 groups conducted
This creative arts therapies program is designed to create a support system to help both children and their non-offending parents cope with the life changes precipitated by violence and abuse. The program provides art, play and music therapy that promotes healing by encouraging children to express and understand their feelings and fears in a safe and nurturing environment.
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RESPONSIVE AND IMMEDIATE HELP
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HOTLINE AND COUNSELING SERVICES
- 3,208 hotline calls answered
- 207 new counseling clients
- 1,047 sessions provided
- 289 clients assisted by 180’s Domestic Violence Liaison (at DCP&P offices)
A 24/7 DV Hotline provides education, support, resources, and referrals to all callers. Survivors of domestic violence are offered 6 free individual counseling sessions and a variety of free support groups are also offered.
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2NDFLOOR YOUTH
CALL & TEXT LINE
- 10,431 phone conversations held
- 132,158 text messages exchanged
Through phone calls, texting and the message board, this anonymous call and text helpline for New Jersey’s youth helps to provide solutions to a variety of issues including substance abuse, mental health,suicide, cyber-bullying, sex and sexuality, among other topics.
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ADVOCATING AND SUPPORTING
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FAMILY COURT LIAISON PROGRAM
- 1,885 domestic violence victims assisted
- 450 consultations with other non-profit colleagues
This program, located in the Monmouth County Superior Court (Freehold), provides technical assistance along with system advocacy and emotional support to help victims navigate through the legal system and obtain restraining orders and other reliefs.
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IMPLEMENTING BEST PRACTICES
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FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER
The Family Justice Center provides victims and their families with crisis intervention, legal assistance, and counseling services all in one place. The Family Justice Center model is recognized as a best practice by the U.S. Department of Justice and New Jersey State Office of the Attorney General. The model is proven to save lives due to coordinated services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and human trafficking.
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KEEPING FAMILIES TOGETHER
This program supports families in the child welfare system and who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The program is based on a nationally proven model which uses a multi-disciplinary team approach in coordination with other community partners in the area. The goal of this recovery-oriented program is to help families stay together as they stabilize their lives. 180’s culturally-competent case management team members use client-centered support services along with input from clients to help them keep their goals in sight, while living in a safe and stable home.
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TRAUMA INFORMED COUNSELING
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SEXUAL VIOLENCE SERVICES
- 959 hotline calls answered
- 117 new counseling clients
- 438 sessions provided
Victims of sexual violence, ages 12 and above, are offered up to 6 individual sessions. Psycho-educational support groups are also offered on a continuing basis. Significant others are also offered support and 6 individual sessions.
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CULTURALLY SENSITIVE SUPPORT
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SHORE REGIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAM
- 163 clients served
- 406 sessions provided
Cultural differences and language barriers can make it difficult to receive assistance and support. Our Shore Regional Outreach Program offers free counseling, psycho-educational support groups, community outreach, system advocacy at area municipal courts, and information and referral services in Long Branch, Neptune, Asbury Park and surrounding areas. Counseling in Spanish is available.
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VICTIM SUPPORT PROGRAM
- 450 Domestic Violence Response Team Accompaniments at Police Stations
- 312 Sexual Assault Response Team Accompaniments (medical, legal, and court)
The Victim Support Program is comprised of the Domestic Violence Response Team Program, which includes approximately 200 volunteer Victim Advocates who provide support and advocacy to victims at police headquarters, and the Sexual Violence Program, which is comprised of approximately 40 Sexual Assault Response Team volunteers who provide support and advocacy to victims at police headquarters, five hospitals, and at Grand Jury. This program also includes counseling, educational presentations, and the Primary Prevention Program.
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