“It is integral that the cycle of domestic violence be broken through educational efforts, therapeutic healing and recovery, community building and supportive services,” Mayor Jackie Veasy said as she read a proclamation recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month on Oct. 22.
For victims of domestic violence, a return to autonomy is crucial.
It’s a central goal for practitioners in advocating for victims of domestic violence, according to Deputy Mayor Krystal Hunter.
“They are never forced to do anything, never forced to make a decision,” said Hunter, who has volunteered her time as a domestic violence advocate in Camden County through SERV (Services Empowering the Rights of Victims).
“Part of what we do is safety, planning and just going forward.”
Advocates are also on hand to help victims get the services they need.
Evesham Township recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month earlier this month with a proclamation read by Mayor Jaclyn Veasy.
“Home should be a place of warmth, tranquility, safety and love,” the proclamation states. “Domestic violence is a crime that violates the home’s environment through systemic abuse, physical, emotional sexual, economic and psychological controls.
“Domestic violence defiles an individual’s privacy, dignity, security and humanity, resulting in lower self-confidence, trust issues, illnesses and depravity in victims
“The effect of domestic violence is not confined to one group of people,” Veasy emphasized. “Instead it cuts across all economic, racial and social barriers, affecting an estimated 10 million individuals per year including children and the elderly.
“It is integral that the cycle of domestic violence be broken through educational efforts, therapeutic healing and recovery, community building and supportive services.”
Michele Fesler accepted the proclamation on behalf of Providence House, the lead domestic violence agency in Burlington County and a provider of services to survivors of domestic violence in the region.
“We provide all services to all survivors of domestic violence,” she explained. “Anybody feeling they need services can reach out to our 24-hour hotline (800) 360-7711, which will connect and refer (them) to services.
“We work very closely with the police departments and with DVR (Domestic Violence Response) programs.”
Services at Providence House seek to end the cycle of domestic violence through education, empowerment and advocacy while providing a safe haven from abuse, according to its website. Confidential and free services help survivors:
- Separate from abusive individuals
- Change living arrangements
- Filing restraining orders
- Establish boundaries
- Become aware of their options
Providence House Domestic Violence Services was established in Burlington County in 1978 and in Ocean County in 1986 to remove barriers that prevent a domestic violence survivor from living an abuse-free life, barriers often created by:
- Unfamiliarity with domestic violence
- Uncertainty regarding financial and housing resources
- Fear for one’s safety
- Social isolation
- Low self-esteem
Other services include a 24-hour domestic violence hotline and emergency safe houses in Burlington and Ocean counties.
Fesler says those looking to volunteer and help have plenty of opportunities, whether with donations, stocking the safe haven food pantry and helping out with holiday drives. Every December, the Providence House holds a free store where its clients can shop.
“Clients can come in and shop for free for their children and themselves so they have a plethora of things throughout holiday” Fesler explained. “We don’t want anybody going without.”
For more information about Providence House Domestic Violence Services, visit https://www.catholiccharitiestrenton.org/domestic-violence-services/
