Dear Community,
Our hearts have been heavy since Stephanie Parze’s disappearance in October 2019. We feared the most terrible outcome which has been confirmed with today’s news of the discovery of her remains in Old Bridge, NJ. We extend our deepest condolences to the Parze family.
Domestic/dating violence is an insidious epidemic that happens every day, everywhere, without regard to socioeconomic status, race, religion, ethnicity or education. Domestic/dating violence is an under-reported crime, with many victims either too afraid or ashamed to step forward, but authorities estimate that as many as one in every four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence at some point in their lives. This kind of crime is of particular concern to residents of Monmouth County, which has the fifth highest number of reported domestic violence incidents in the State, with over 4,200 reported offenses each year.
We know that the most dangerous time for a victim is when that person is trying to leave. It is during this time that a victim is at the highest risk of severe injury or homicide than at any other time during the relationship. For any Monmouth County victim of domestic violence, and we know that there are thousands of you out there today, please know that 180 Turning Lives Around is here to work with you to develop a safety plan for you and your children, and to design a path to a life free from abuse and harm.
180 Turning Lives Around (180), is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault in Monmouth County. 180 offers 24-hour hotlines, emergency shelter, family court assistance, counseling, safety planning and trained advocates who accompany survivors at all area police stations and hospitals.
If you or someone you know needs help please reach out to us; calls are anonymous and confidential. We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week: 888-843-9262 or 888-264-RAPE. Additional information is available on our website: www.180nj.org.
Our thoughts are with Mr. and Mrs. Parze and their family.
Sincerely,
Anna Diaz-White
Executive Director