October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic Violence includes verbal, emotional, financial, physical, and sexual abuse and transcends all economic, educational, racial and religious lines.  Statistics show that 1 in 3 women will be abused during their lifetimes and an estimated 3 women are murdered each day by their partners. Many children in households where abuse occurs are abused or neglected.  Violence is a pattern of behavior that is learned.
You can help to make a difference and end the abuse.

What can we do to eliminate violence against women:

• Examine our own attitudes about abuse
• challenge language that degrades women
• be a positive role model for the next generation of men and women
• wear a purple ribbon and make a personal pledge never to commit, condone, nor remain silent about violence against women. Silence perpetuates violence.

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano today announced that he has sent a letter to all religious leaders throughout Nassau County requesting they spread the message to their congregations that "Violence is not the answer." The request comes as Mangano declares October 11-15, 2010 as “Purple Ribbon Week” in Nassau County in order to raise awareness of the need to understand, confront, and eliminate domestic violence.
In his letter the County Executive asks, "every faith-based organization in Nassau County to devote a sermon addressing family and domestic violence during October, which has been declared National Domestic Violence Awareness Month." The letter to the clergy is in keeping with the County Executive's pledge to implement all the recommendations of his Task Force on Family Violence, which led him to declare a Public Health Emergency in Family Violence in Nassau County.
"Family violence is a growing public health issue and my administration is committed to ensuring that we take all steps possible to reduce the incidence of family and domestic violence in Nassau County," said County Executive Mangano. "I am very appreciative to the faith-based community leaders who are supporting our message and assisting us in educating our residents. As so many individuals and families turn to their faith-based communities for guidance and answers, I am asking that you kindly consider this recommendation to help spread our message to your congregations that “Violence is Not the Answer.”

If you or someone you know is dealing with Dating/Domestic Violence or Sexual Abuse, please call the 24-hour Domestic Violence hot line at (516) 542-0404 or visit the website http://www.cadvnc.org/

Domestic Violence

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano today declared family violence a “public health emergency” after reviewing a report compiled by the County Executive’s Task Force on Family Violence that shows a dramatic increase in the number of reported domestic violence incidents over the last year in Nassau County.

“These numbers are shocking, and today I am declaring this a ‘public health emergency.’ Family violence is not acceptable under any circumstance in Nassau County,” said County Executive Mangano. “Family violence affects individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation or educational background. We must reach out to the victims of domestic abuse so they have the resources and help they need to get out of a dangerous situation.”

Early in his administration in February, the County Executive appointed the members of the Task Force on Family Violence to review the situation of family and domestic violence in Nassau County. The group is comprised of representatives from public and private agencies, and represents health and human services, education, and law enforcement and is chaired by John Imhof, Ph.D., Commissioner of the Nassau County Department of Social Services.

In its report, the Task Force on Family Violence statistics indicate a:

58% increase in the number of domestic violence arrests by the Nassau County Police Department;
82% increase in domestic violence arrests with a Child Protective Services referral;
25% increase on the number of total domestic violence reports to the Nassau County Police Department; and
16% increase in the number of physical abuse accusations made on behalf of children

In response to these numbers, County Executive Mangano has announced a major public awareness campaign designed to reach out to victims of domestic violence. As part of the campaign, the County will be creating a toll free number which will tie in to the 24 hour Domestic Violence hotline to report incidents of family violence. This will be advertised throughout Nassau. In addition, posters will be seen on public buses and hospitals, and informational pamphlets will be included in phone and electric bills, and County paychecks.

“Unfortunately, domestic violence affects every community in Nassau County,” said Mangano. “We are committed to educating the public on this serious public health issue in order to reduce the scope and prevalence of family violence in our County."

IF YOU ARE THE VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:
The Police can help you:
o Get to a safe place away from the violence
o Get information on how the court can help protect you against the violence
o Get medical care for injuries you or your children may have
o Get necessary belongings from your home for you or your children
o Get copies of police reports about the violence
o File a complaint in criminal court and tell you where your local Criminal and Family Courts are located
Coalition Against Domestic Violence www.cadvnc.org
Stop Family Violence www.stopfamilyviolence.org
National Domestic Violence www.ndvh.org
Rape and Incest National Network www.rainn.org
Stalking Resource Center www.ncvc.org/src/help/index.html