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Event Program
NEW BRUNSWICK–On October 11th, Women Aware hosted a candlelight vigil to honor individuals affected by domestic violence and those who serve them. 150 members of the community came together for a night of powerful speakers and quiet reflection as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Maliha Janjua, Director of Client Services at Women Aware, delivered her testimonial of dating and gun violence.
“After what seemed like months of stalking and harassment, on September 7, 2007, he came into my place of work in Menlo Park Mall, and without a word shot me at point blank range in the face. As my throat swelled choking my airway, I watched him turn the gun on himself and take his own life.”
She spoke of her long path to healing and recovery. Today, Ms. Janjua is one of the leading advocates for survivors in the country. “You are not alone. I am living proof that,” she said. Today she works with thousands of survivors of domestic violence every year at Women Aware.
Tammy Snyder Murphy, wife of Gubernatorial candidate Phil Murphy, spoke about the need for our communities to do more to end domestic violence in New Jersey.
Also in attendance were Freeholder Blanquita Valenti, Freeholder Kenneth Armwood, New Brunswick Mayor James Cahill, Highland Park Mayor Gayle Brill Mittler, East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen, Assemblyman Joe Danielsen, who represents New Brunswick in the State Assembly, and Director of Human Services for Middlesex County Melyssa Lewis.
(At right photo credit Daniel J. Munoz of TAP into New Brunswick)