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Home News Tribune spotlights Women Aware

In the News

In its annual Needy Cases section, the Home News Tribune spotlighted Women Aware’s services for survivors of domestic violence in Middlesex County, NJ. To read the full story, click here.

The Women Aware Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for crisis counseling and resource and referral information. Calls may be made anonymously and communication will be kept confidential. On-site staff speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Urdu, Hindi, German and Italian. Hundreds of other languages can be translated in the moment if needed.

732-249-4504. Toll-free 833-249-4504. We welcome relay calls.

If you are a victim of domestic violence in need of temporary emergency shelter, you may call the Hotline for more information and/or a shelter assessment. 
If you suspect you are being abused but are not sure, we can provide information about the dynamics of domestic violence and abuse to help you better understand your relationship. If you are a victim of domestic abuse, the Hotline can provide safety planning information, and resources and referrals to appropriate services.

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Help available to domestic violence victims

The recent tragic murder of Giorgina Nigro at the hands of her husband is a painful reminder of the consequences of domestic violence. We became members of the board of directors for the service provider Women Aware because we are committed to helping our community move beyond abuse. It is vital that everyone in Middlesex County knows that Women Aware is here to help.

Women Aware is the domestic violence agency designated by the state to serve the citizens of Middlesex County. With 35 years of experience, these professionals provide free and confidential services to survivors of domestic violence. This includes: a 24-hour hotline, an emergency shelter, support groups, children’s trauma therapy, legal clinics and a wide variety of other services that keep people physically and emotionally safe and secure. Each year, Women Aware helps thousands of families find safety from an abuser. This caring, professional staff can help with restraining orders, seeking custody, applying for victim compensation, shelter and finding permanent housing, name changes and other assistance. The shelter run by Women Aware is fully accessible, completely secure and staffed 24 hours a day. It is a comfortable home with play areas for children. Safety and security are priorities.

Help is available to all, regardless of race, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, language, age or immigration status. As board members of Women Aware, we urge you to take advantage of these invaluable services. Women Aware is there 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Find us online at www.womenaware.net or call the hotline anytime at 732-249-4504.

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Candlelight Vigil Honors Those Impacted Domestic Violence

Candlelight Vigil Honors Those Impacted by Domestic Violence

New Brunswick, NJ (October 9, 2014) – Women Aware, the lead domestic violence agency in Middlesex County, New Jersey, hosted their annual Candlelight Vigil at Monument Park in downtown New Brunswick. The public event recognized and honored those who have been impacted by domestic violence.

Through its annual Candlelight Vigil, Women Aware hopes to shed light on the issue of domestic violence. October 9, 2014 marks the 30th anniversary of the federal government’s first response to domestic violence, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act. This anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on lives transformed by the services provided by domestic violence agencies.

A domestic violence survivor who had been helped at Women Aware offered to share her experience. “The truth hit me hard when one day my five year old son asked me a question, ‘Mommy, does God forgive Daddy for pulling you by your hair across the floor?’ He was three when this incident happened,” she shared. “My eyes were opened and… I decided the time had come to get out.”

She continued, “I entered the Women Aware Safe House in March 2011 and immediately received compassion and support from each and every staff member I came in contact with. Their help gave me a feeling of empowerment and a confidence I could make it on my own.”

“Three and a half years later, I am still working and living independently,” she concluded. “My future is no longer one of pain and fear, but of joy and hope and peace and I’m excited about life.”

Approximately 150 vigil participants gathered and many raised candles to present a united front against domestic violence. Among them were the members of the Community Fellowship Mass Choir. The group contributed through their music, performing a cappella renditions of several praise songs, emphasizing the message “You can make it”.

Several local elected officials were in attendance, including Freeholder Carol Barrett Bellante and Councilwoman Elsie Foster-Dublin of Highland Park. Also present was Charmaine Thomas, Assistant Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Children and Families.

Women Aware’s Executive Director, Phyllis Adams, encouraged all attendees to continue working towards a just society, “Together we can create something beautiful.”

About Women Aware

Women Aware is the state-designated lead domestic violence agency for Middlesex County. Founded in 1979 as a 501(c)3 non-profit, the organization served over 1,300 men, women, and children in 2013. Women Aware offers comprehensive services to assist survivors of domestic violence at every stage as they move beyond abuse. Services include a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, support groups, children’s trauma therapy, batterer’s intervention counseling, and permanent supportive housing apartments. All services are free, confidential, and available in multiple languages.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, call the hotline at 732-249-4504.

Contact

To learn more, contact:
Phyllis Adams, Executive Director
(office) 732-249-4900

Download this press release as a Word document.

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