Organizations recognize domestic violence awareness month

Domestic violence affects every American, and is an affront to our very humanity. It violates our human right to be free from abuse and harm, yet it too often goes on because secrecy and fear are its biggest allies. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and groups are taking stands against it.

The awareness month evolved from the "Day of Unity" which was held in October of 1981 and was conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. The movement has grown and now the entire month of October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month dedicated to the mourning those who have died because of domestic violence, celebrating those who have survived and perpetuating the mission to connect those who work to end violence and resources with the victims.

The New Jersey state police define domestic violence as, “A pattern of physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse, which includes, but is not limited to, threats, intimidation, isolation, and/or financial control. Domestic Violence is an intentional pattern of behavior that is used by one person as a means to harm and take power and control over another person in the context of a dating, family, roommate or caretaker relationship. Domestic Violence, which is also called spouse abuse, intimate partner abuse, battering, and partner violence, is when an individual is in some way hurt by a person that he or she knows. These “hurts” are not limited to physical harm; a person can also be sexually abused or psychologically abused. Often a victim is hurt in more than one of these ways. Domestic Violence can continue over a long period of time and becomes more frequent and more severe over time.”

There is help and recovery“Victims often feel helpless and like there's no way out,” said Keri Marino, president of the Board of Trustees at DASI. She is also the vice president/business sales manager at Sussex Bank. Marino knows first hand about the horrors of domestic violence because for years, she was, herself, a victim. Now a huge advocate, so much so that she has a “Survivor's Class” at her year-old yoga studio called Pearll, in Franklin and donates proceeds to DASI.

“No matter how hopeless your situation may seem, there is a way out,” Marino added, “Even if it's taking baby steps at first.”

DASI is a 501(c)3 private, nonprofit organization, established in 1984, providing comprehensive services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their families in Sussex County. Services are free and confidential. DASI offers a host of resources for victims. Though victims are predominantly women, being a victim of domestic violence crosses all genders, ages and socioeconomic lines.

DASI acknowledges that many survivors are unaware that they have shown strength and courage in coping with their situations, in protecting their children, or by simply staying alive. Survivors can only make informed decisions about their lives when they feel safe, when they are aware of their options and when they know they are not alone. It is critically important for a community to be aware of how dangerous domestic violence can be. Helping to keep survivors and their children safe is something we can all contribute to, by learning more about the issue and the resources available right here in Sussex County,” said DASI's Executive Director Jamie Bernard, “No one needs to suffer alone and in silence. DASI can help.”

DASI staff can assist with physical, emotional and psychological injuries, and help with safety planning, housing and financial emergencies. Services such as a 24-hour helpline, emergency shelter, counseling, support groups, advocacy, court preparation, medical and legal accompaniment, children's services, transportation, food and clothing are available. DASI can help with the following services and resources: domestic violence and abuse survivors, domestic violence offenders, sexual offenders, children and domestic violence, teens, concerned family and/or friends, safe house, crisis/counseling groups, advocacy/legal advocacy, transitional living program, SART an DVRT, internet/computer safety, and a 24/7 hotline.

When it comes to domestic violence, Project Self Sufficiency, a vital community outreach program based in Newton, works closely with DASI on a variety of initiatives. Project Self Sufficiency's marketing director, Lisa Pachnos said that they have a program called the Enough Abuse campaign, which targets children and teen victims of sexual assault.