BY KEVIN ISRAEL | SENATENJ.COM
Senator Jennifer Beck applauded the funds allocated in the new state budget for domestic violence and sexual violence services. The 2015 budget provides $1.8 million for domestic violence services and an additional $400,000 for the direct services to victims of sexual violence.
“Over the past three years I have worked closely with the Christie administration to ensure these services were funded at the necessary levels,” said Beck. “In a year that every dollar was more important than ever, it is encouraging to see sexual violence services made a priority. I know these funds will go a long way in assisting victims of domestic and sexual violence.”
“We are deeply grateful for the efforts of Senator Beck and Governor Christie to prioritize services to victims of sexual crimes throughout the state,” Anna Diaz-White, Executive Director of 180 Turning Lives Around, explained. 180 Turning Lives Around, Inc. is a private, non-profit charitable organization dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence in our community. 180 is committed to providing services to individuals and families affected by domestic and sexual violence.
New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NJCASA) Sexual Violence Programs are located in each county in New Jersey and at the Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance at Rutgers University. Each sexual violence program provides a variety of services to survivors of sexual violence and their family and friends. Free and confidential services are offered to all survivors regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, physical ability, or financial status. Services provided include, but are not limited to:
- Confidential and anonymous 24-hour crisis hotline
- 24 hour Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate accompaniment to medical exams, police interviews, court dates, and other appointments resulting from sexual violence
- Short term individual and group counseling and support groups
- Educational presentations
- Referrals for long term counseling
- Language services available for survivors who do not speak English
“The victims of these horrible crimes deserve immediate, responsive assistance and the funds in this budget will ensure that these services are available to them.”
