Princeton University Presents:
It is estimated that one in every 4 women is beaten and one in every 5 women is sexually assaulted in her lifetime. For the deaf and hard of hearing, that ratio is even higher. Isolation and systems that can’t communicate or don’t understand the culture of the deaf communities make getting help even more difficult.
Mary Elizabeth was held captive by her abuser for months. She couldn’t scream for help and had no means of communication. Her life line (her cell phone) was taken away, and she was systematically beaten and abused. Because she had already alienated her friends and family, none of them were in regular touch and no one was looking for her. When she finally broke free in a state of panic and found her way to the police department, she couldn’t communicate. She waited long hours for law enforcement to locate a signing interpreter. Isolated, alone and petrified, she waited.
This is NOT how it should be. Womanspace has begun a Deaf Advocacy Project that trains deaf volunteers to respond to victims immediately. We are working in partnership with the NJ Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the NJ Coalition for Battered Women and the NJ Coalition Against Sexual Assault. Everyone is volunteering time to make this project become a reality. The NJ Division of Deaf and Hard of Hearing has been a wonderful support in providing American Sign Language interpreters, but the ability to continue this is limited. Other associated costs for 80 hours of training, ongoing supervision, travel expenses and amenitites like food and clothing are unmet needs.
Newly trained deaf advocates will have the ability to accompany the deaf victim to the police station, court, hospital or wherever the victim needs support to help her/him feel safe. We want to ensure no one should be alone during such a traumatic time.
This project is being piloted in Mercer County, New Jersey, but will be available throughout the state within two years. We need your help to make this a reality. Please help us in providing this critical support that is life-sustaining, life-saving and life supporting for deaf and hard-of-hearing victims.
Try to imagine your life without a voice…and then dig deep to help us provide a voice for the hundreds of victims who can benefit from your generosity.
Communities of Light Launch a Success
The launch of the 13th annual Communities of Light™~Peace Begins at Home on October 27th was a tremendous success. With over 100 guests in attendance, the launch was a great start to Communities of Light 2014.
This year, Womanspace has named Capital Health President and CEO, Al Maghazehe, as Honorary Chair of the 13th Annual Communities of Light™ Campaign. Dr. Maghazehe has been CEO and President of Capital Health System since 1998, a very successful two-hospital health system comprised of the Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton and Capital Health Medical Center in Hopewell and an outpatient facility in Hamilton Township. To complement the healthcare system, he built a comprehensive network of primary care physician offices. He has led the transformation of Capital Health from an inner-city health system to a regional healthcare destination, attracting patients from throughout New Jersey and Bucks County, PA and specialists from all over the country.
The 2014 Communities of Light Launch event was held at Capital Health Hopewell Hospital in the Investors Bank Art & Healing Gallery located on the second floor atrium. Guests mingled against the back drop of paintings lining the walls of the Art & Healing Gallery.
Board President and Communities of Light Chair, Kristin Keller, warmly welcomed the crowd to the 13th annual event Launch. Ms. Keller acknowledged the Communities of Light sponsors and the elected officials that were present at the event. Ms. Keller introduced Womanspace Executive Director, Patricia Hart who gave some Womanspace history for those who were unfamiliar with the organization and explained the importance of partnering with Capital Health Systems and the medical community for Communities of Light this year.
“Last year Womanspace helped over 11,000 individuals and still we know there are too many folks who don’t know about us. That is why this partnership with Capital Health is so very important to us. When you look at the front line of reporting of these crimes, health care workers rank right up there with law enforcement. Doctors, nurses, x-ray technicians, they see things that might not be talked about and they often hear things before anyone else.”
Ms. Hart thanked Dr. Maghzehe for supporting Womanspace and welcomed him as the keynote speaker.
Dr. Maghazehe thanked Womanspace for the distinction of being the Honorary Chair, stating that Womanspace can “count on me among your ambassadors.” Dr. Maghazehe and Capital Health have been long time supporters of Womanspace. It wasn’t until his daughter volunteered for a domestic violence agency that he truly learned the struggle victims face. He emphasized the importance of healthcare workers possessing knowledge of domestic violence and what to do when a case presents itself. Dr. Maghazehe pledged to review with his staff how to properly screen for domestic violence in patients they treat. Additionally, Dr. Maghazehe pledged to have Womanspace brochures on hand in the waiting rooms of physician’s offices and lobbies of both Capital Health Hopewell and Regional Hospitals. Womanspace is grateful for the support of Al Maghazehe and Capital Health as well as the members of the community in attendance.
Thanks to the generosity of in-kind support from a number of local businesses for helping to make the event so successful. Catering was generously provided courtesy of McCaffrey’s Supermarket of Princeton. We also greatly appreciate the support of our In-Kind Sponsors: Knipper Healthcare Marketing Solutions, The Times of Trenton, Princeton Printer, Compass Healthcare Marketers, and Moxie Magazine.
Womanspace is grateful for the support of our Beacon Sponsor, Capital Health as well as the support of our other Sponsors: PNC Bank, Wells Fargo, Princeton Orthopaedic Associates, Doctors Express Urgent Care, Trenk DiPasquale Della Fera & Sodono, and The Bank of Princeton.
Communities of Light Luminary kits will be available for purchase at various retail locations throughout Mercer County in early November, please visit www.womanspace.org for a list of retailers. Luminary kits are $10 and include supplies and safety instructions for assembling 6 luminary displays to cover 150 linear feet. You can also purchase virtual luminaries and help us spread awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault through your Facebook status, your Twitter feed or by sending an email to your friends. Sending a message of hope and support can make all the difference. Visit www.womanspace.org for more information or to purchase a virtual luminary.
Last year, Womanspace served over 11,000 adults and children. It is our hope that families who struggle with violence in their homes will see that their community stands with them and learn that help is available. In order to succeed we need the support of the Mercer County community; interested supporters can contact Lauren Nazarian, Director of Development, at (609) 394-0136 or at lan@womanspace.org. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Susan Adams at 609-394-0136 or saa@womanspace.org. Information can also be found by visiting www.womanspace.org.
If you are a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault and in need of assistance, please call the 24-hour hotline at 609-394-9000 to speak with someone immediately. Services at Womanspace include crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling, court advocacy and housing services.
Princeton Police Officer with Freeholder Pasquale Colavita
Luminaries line the walkway of Capital Health Hopewell Hospital
Womanspace Executive Director Patricia Hart, Rony Nazarian COL Sponsor: Princeton Orthopaedic Associates, COL Honorary Chair Al Maghazehe & Womanspace Director of Development Lauren Nazarian
Womanspace Board President & COL Chair Kristin Keller and Capital Health Hopewell Hospital PR Director Jayne O’Connor
Buy a Womanspace’s Luminary for $10!
You now have the choice to purchase a luminary kit to light outside your home or business; or you can purchase a virtual luminary! Virtual luminaries and help us spread awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault through your Facebook status, your Twitter feed or by sending an email to your friends. Sending a message of hope and support can make all the difference. If you would like to purchase an actual luminary kit to light outside your home or business, you can pick them up at Womanspace’s administrative office at 1530 Brunswick Ave, Lawrenceville, NJ.
Click here to purchase your luminary.
When you purchase a $10 virtual luminary, you will receive an email of the virtual luminary to download or cut and paste. Make sure to share it with all of your contacts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and send out an email blast to spread the awareness across Mercer County and beyond! We hope to “light” up everyone’s social media pages and emails and we encourage you to share your virtual luminaries from now until the lighting date on December 7th.
The lighting of luminaries throughout the county is our unique way of increasing local awareness of both the ongoing presence of domestic and sexual violence in our community and the Womanspace mission to serve its victims at the moment of crisis and throughout their journey of healing. Let’s make Mercer County shine brightly as we remember those who may be suffering in silence.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Brings Out Community Support for Womanspace
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Each year, Womanspace strives to raise awareness and funds for families impacted by domestic violence. This year, the Princeton Opera Alliance and the Ruby Skulls are helping Womanspace achieve those goals.
On September 26 and September 27, Princeton Opera Alliance presented two recitals in Plainsboro, NJ and Whitemarsh, PA. Local up and coming opera singers were featured in the recitals. The opera singers performed opera arias and ensembles centered on strong female characters and their stories. The events raised $541 for Womanspace.
On October 4, 2014 the Ruby Skulls paddled the Schuylkill River for the Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival. The ladies of the Ruby Skulls chose Womanspace as their charity to receive all proceeds. In just two months they were able to raise $4,485 for Womanspace through gofundme.com.
Womanspace is grateful for the community support. This support enables Womanspace to place the funding where it is needed the most enabling us to better serve survivors and their families. Last year, Womanspace served over 11,000 adults and children. If you are interested in doing a fundraiser for Womanspace please contact Lauren Nazarian, Director of Development, at (609) 394-0136 or at lan@womanspace.org. Information can also be found by visiting www.womanspace.org.
If you are a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault and in need of assistance, please call the 24-hour hotline at 609-394-9000 to speak with someone immediately. Services at Womanspace include crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling, court advocacy and housing services.
Click here to download the press release as a PDF file.
Womanspace Launches the 2014 Communities of Light Campaign
The Countywide lighting date is Monday, December 8th
In recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness month, Womanspace launches our Communities of Light™ Peace Begins At Home campaign in October culminating with a Countywide lighting of luminaries on December 8th. This event is a powerful symbol of hope for those impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault in our community. It helps raise awareness and let victims know that they are not alone. Communities of Light™ will launch with a free public reception on Monday, October 27, 2014 at 5:30pm at Capital Health Hopewell Hospital.
Womanspace is privileged to have honorary chair; Al Maghazehe;CEO & President of Capital Health, a successful two hospital health system comprised of the Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton and Capital Health Medical Center- Hopewell and an outpatient facility in Hamilton Township.
We hope you can join us at the 2014 Communities of Light launch reception at Capital Health Hopewell Hospital on Monday, October 27. To RSVP, please call 609-394-0136 by October 26th. Seating is limited and registration is required. There is no charge to attend; participants are highly encouraged to purchase the $10 COL luminary kits.
The lighting of luminaries throughout the county is our unique way of increasing local awareness of both the ongoing presence of domestic and sexual violence in our community and the Womanspace mission to serve its victims at the moment of crisis and throughout their journey of healing. Each year, business and civic leaders in every municipality support Womanspace during the campaign and especially on December 8th. “Sister” agencies in numerous New Jersey counties will also join our Communities of Light™ endeavors here in Mercer County. We welcome the participation of community members in our efforts to make Mercer County shine brightly as we remember those who may be suffering in silence.
Thanks to the generosity of in-kind support from a number of local businesses, 100% of all proceeds from luminary kit sales and donations to Communities of Light benefit Womanspace programs that serve adults and children, who are impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault or human trafficking. The event proceeds help ensure that no victim is ever turned away at their time of need. Services include emergency shelter, counseling, court advocacy, victim assistance, and transitional housing.
Womanspace is grateful for the support of our sponsors Capital Health Hospital, Wells Fargo, PNC Bank, Princeton Orthopaedic Associates, Doctors Express Urgent Care, Trenk DiPasquale Della Fira Sodono, Mason, Griffin, Pierson, P.C., Knipper Healthcare Marketing Solution, Princeton Printers, The Times of Trenton, Compass Healthcare Marketers, McCaffrey’s Foodmarket and Moxie Magazine.
Don’t forget to light your luminary candles at dusk on Monday, December 9, along with hundreds of people and scores of organizations and community groups throughout the 12 municipalities in Mercer County.
Last year Womanspace served over 11,000 adults and children. It is our hope that families who struggle with violence in their homes will see that their community stands with them and learn that help is available. In order to succeed we need the support of the Mercer County community; interested supporters can contact Lauren Nazarian, Director of Development, at (609) 394-0136 or at lan@womanspace.org. Information can also be found by visiting www.womanspace.org.
If you are a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault and in need of assistance, please call the 24-hour hotline at 609-394-9000 to speak with someone immediately. Services at Womanspace include crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling, court advocacy and housing services.
Click here to download the press release as a PDF file.
Womanspace to Partner with Local Police to Help Victims Of Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
Training Starts September 2014
Twice a year, Womanspace holds 80-hour trainings for Domestic Violence Victim Response team (DVVRT) members and Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS) Advocates. These volunteers are vital members of the community who work hand-in-hand with Police Departments and Hospital staff throughout Mercer County to provide crucial information and support domestic violence and sexual assault victims in their moment of crisis.
Team members’ qualifications include the ability to communicate well with others, being a good listener, and maintaining confidentiality. Interested persons must be 18 years of age or older, as well as a resident of or employee in the Mercer County area with a valid driver’s license, available transportation and the ability to attend trainings and meetings. Volunteers cannot have either a criminal history or prior history as a defendant in a domestic violence or sexual assault-related matter.
Volunteers will receive 80 or more hours of specialized training on topics including the law, sensitivity to the needs of victims and their children, and how to provide appropriate responses at a very critical time. Trained volunteers must be “on call” (available to respond to call-outs at police departments or hospitals) two to four shifts per month. A certificate will be presented at the completion of the training.
Womanspace, in partnership with the Police Departments throughout Mercer County, is currently accepting applications for volunteers to become members of the Domestic Violence Victim Response Team and the Sexual Assault Support Services Team. To apply for the next training class please visit www.WOMANSPACE.org and download the printer-friendly application. Please submit your application by August 15, 2014; training begins September 2014. For more information please call 609-394-0136 and speak with Heidi Mueller or Alison Daks Monday through Friday, 9 am-4 pm or email Heidi at dvvrt@womanspace.org or Alison at sass@womanspace.org.
Click here to download the press release as a PDF file.
HOLT ANNOUNCES $352,416 DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE GRANT FOR WOMANSPACE INC.
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Funding to Support Housing Assistance for Mercer County Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Stalking
Rep. Rush Holt (NJ-12) today announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded Womanspace, Inc $352,416 in federal funding under the Transitional Housing Assistance Grant for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking (Transitional Housing Assistance) Program. Womanspace Inc. will use the funding to provide housing and housing assistance in addition to supportive services to Mercer County victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking.
“This funding will allow Womanspace Inc. to provide safe housing to help victims of sexual assault or domestic violence get a fresh start away from their attackers,” Holt said. “The Violence Against Women Act has worked; it has saved lives and improved outcomes for millions of Americans, including many here in Central New Jersey.”
In May 2012, Holt visited Womanspace Inc. to meet with Executive Director Patricia Hart, survivors of domestic violence, and other women advocates to discuss the need to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). In 2013, Holt helped win passage of the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act, now law, which authorized the grant program that has awarded this funding to Womanspace Inc.
“Womanspace is thrilled and extremely grateful to have been chosen as the recipient for the Department of Justice Transitional Housing grant,” said Womanspace Inc. Executive Director Patricia Hart. “One of the most urgent needs for families fleeing domestic violence is for housing. Without affordable, safe housing families are often forced to return to a dangerous environment. This 3 year grant allows us to provide short and longer term housing for these families and to assist with supportive services, such as counseling, job readiness and training, job searches, children’s programming and so much more. Our families become active in school and training programs with the goal of finding employment that will help them to achieve self-sufficiency and to successful transition into a peaceful and safe home that they can afford.”
The primary focus of the Transitional Housing Assistance Program is to provide aid to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, particularly those who are homeless or in need of transitional housing and supportive services. Grants under the program are focused on supporting a holistic, victim-centered approach to provide transitional housing services that move individuals into permanent housing.
Since the passage of VAWA in 1994, the criminal justice response to violence against women has improved, fewer Americans are experiencing domestic violence, more victims are reporting domestic and sexual violence, and all states have made stalking a crime. Holt has worked diligently with Womanspace Inc. and other advocates for women to fully fund important VAWA programs that assist victims and to end violence against women.
Womanspace, Inc. provides a comprehensive array of services to individuals and families impacted by domestic and sexual violence and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for women and their families.
Victims of domestic violence or sexual assault in Mercer County are encouraged to call the 24 Hour Hotline at 609-394-9000 or the New Jersey Statewide Domestic Violence 24 Hour Hotline at 1-800-572-SAFE (7233).
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEEDS HELP, CALL OUR TOLL-FREE 24-HOUR HOTLINE:
609-394-9000
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