Author: Younity

When we talk about building a safer future, it doesn’t just happen in shelters, support groups, or courtrooms. Sometimes, it starts with a conversation in a senator’s office.

Last month, Younity joined the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence (NJCEDV) for Legislative Advocacy Day at the State House. Our goal: secure $7 million in the FY26 state budget to restore and sustain domestic violence services across New Jersey — including emergency shelter, legal advocacy, children’s programming, and culturally responsive care.

To achieve this, advocates pushed for a budget resolution—a critical step in the legislative process that helps prioritize funding across essential services, including those that support responses to and prevention of domestic violence.

What’s a Budget Resolution?
A budget resolution gives a funding request a seat at the table during budget negotiations. It’s a formal way for lawmakers to signal support for a specific need — and while it doesn’t guarantee funding, it ensures the issue is part of the conversation that shapes the final state budget.

In April, state commissioners acknowledged that a mandated 5% budget reduction across departments led to difficult decisions — including a $2.2 million cut from domestic violence support services. This reduction affected programs statewide that provide critical shelter, advocacy, and crisis response for victim-survivors.

The resolution backed by Younity and NJCEDV includes three essential requests:

1. Restore the $2.2 million previously allocated in the FY25 budget;
2. Increase funding for Domestic Violence Crisis Response Teams by $2 million;
3. Sustain life-saving services like shelter, legal advocacy, children’s programming, and culturally specific support, especially as federal funding continues to decline.

These aren’t abstract numbers. They reflect urgent needs we’re seeing right now. At Younity, we experienced a surge in demand for services in 2024 across the board:

• 78% increase in Response Team callouts to police stations and hospitals
• 104% increase in legal advocacy for victim-survivors seeking restraining orders
• 70% increase in family therapy sessions
• 44% increase in counseling for children
• 36% increase in support for sexual assault victim-survivors under the age of 18

Victims often return to unsafe homes simply because there’s nowhere else to go.

Thanks to coordinated advocacy efforts — including outreach from Younity’s Janet Ginest — budget resolutions have now been secured in both the Assembly and Senate.

For Janet, Younity’s VP of Transitional Housing, the experience was deeply personal.

“I’ve been with Younity for nearly two decades, but my connection to this work goes back even further,” she shared. “I started as a volunteer in 1998 on one of the first Domestic Violence Response Teams in East Windsor. Over the years, I’ve worked in many different roles — and throughout it all, what’s never changed is the privilege of walking alongside survivors as they reclaim their lives. It’s an honor I never take for granted.”

This year’s Advocacy Day also reinforced the importance of legislative work — and how deeply policy decisions shape survivors’ lives.

“Legislative advocacy is where real change begins,” Janet said. “This is where we get to influence the system so it works better for our clients. Every conversation, every email — it all adds up. Advocacy isn’t just about policy; it’s about people.”

Janet met with Senators Linda Greenstein and Andrew Zwicker, both of whom responded not only with encouragement but also with action. Senator Greenstein offered to sponsor the resolution herself, while Senator Zwicker’s office followed up with direct guidance to ensure it was submitted correctly and on time.

“I thought I was just going to deliver a flyer and hope for a handshake,” Janet said. “Instead, I left with a crash course in the legislative process, two champions in our corner, and a renewed sense of how change really happens — one conversation, one connection at a time.”

Recent legislative wins underscore what’s possible when policy and advocacy align: the creation of a statewide rape kit tracking system (S715/A908), recognition of coercive control in court (S1809/A1475), and guaranteed language access for restraining orders (A1704/S1000). Each of these laws makes safety more accessible — and justice more achievable — for victim-survivors across New Jersey.

Janet also underscored one area that still needs urgent reform:

“Too many survivors fall through the cracks — earning just above the threshold for free legal aid, but nowhere near enough to afford a private attorney,” she explained. “When you’re facing restraining orders, divorce, or child custody without legal representation, the system isn’t just hard. It’s heartbreaking.”

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How You Can Help

As the FY26 budget moves into final negotiations, we encourage our community to stay engaged.

Here’s how you can take action:

1. Find your legislators: Visit www.njleg.state.nj.us and enter your address to find your representatives in the New Jersey Senate and Assembly.
2. Call or email: Ask them to support the domestic violence budget resolution sponsored by Assemblywoman Lopez (Assembly Resolution #705) and Senator Ruiz (Senate Resolution #1040).
3. Speak from the heart: Let them know why these services matter. Ask them to support the full $7 million request and stand with survivors across New Jersey.

Your voice matters. Every email, every call helps bring safety, healing, and justice within reach.

Together, we are stronger than abuse.

When someone is strangled, the danger doesn’t end when the grip is released.

Strangulation is one of the most serious — and most frequently overlooked — forms of violence in intimate partner relationships. It causes internal injuries that may not be immediately visible. There may be no bruising, no swelling, no outward signs at all. Yet beneath the surface, the damage can be profound: brain injury, stroke, or even death may occur hours or days later.

“The deadliest injury doesn’t get treated because no one can see it,” says Janet Morales, Younity’s Crisis Sexual Assault Response Specialist. “Even law enforcement often misses it. So do doctors. And most of all—victim-survivors themselves.”

But the danger isn’t just medical.

Strangulation is also one of the strongest predictors of future lethal violence. Victim-survivors who have been strangled by a partner are 750% more likely to be killed by that same partner (Journal of Emergency Medicine, 2008).* It’s a major red flag — one that’s too often dismissed in the moment, despite its strong correlation with homicide in abusive relationships.

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Why This Matters Now

The push to raise awareness around strangulation and smothering wasn’t driven by headlines — it came from the front lines.

“We noticed that many victim-survivors were not reporting strangulation or smothering as a major concern after a domestic or sexual assault incident,” Morales explains. “Even when it came up during advocacy conversations, few sought medical follow-up. We realized we needed to increase our own understanding to help them recognize the risks — and increase the likelihood they’d seek care.”

This lack of awareness is dangerous. Many survivors may not immediately report being strangled — or may not even realize how serious the incident was. As a result, critical medical care is delayed or avoided altogether.

“By learning to recognize the signs ourselves,” Morales says, “we can share life-saving information. These injuries may be invisible, but they’re deadly. Talking about it could literally save someone’s life.”

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A Growing Pattern in New Jersey

These concerns aren’t isolated. Recent statewide data shows that reports of domestic violence — including cases involving strangulation — are on the rise in New Jersey. In 2023, the state saw a 15% increase in reported domestic violence incidents, with advocacy groups and public safety officials sounding the alarm on the link between strangulation and fatal outcomes.

This growing trend has prompted new legislative attention and changes to how these cases are classified and prosecuted. It has also reinforced the need for advocates, law enforcement, and healthcare providers to treat strangulation as a medical emergency — not just a legal issue.

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Introducing the BREATHE Protocol

In 2024, New Jersey implemented the BREATHE Protocol — short for Breathing/Blood Flow Restriction Event: Advocacy, Treatment, Help, and Empowerment. This statewide initiative redefines how we respond to strangulation and smothering, treating them not just as criminal acts, but as urgent medical events.

The protocol addresses a dangerous pattern of minimization:

• No visible injuries
• No immediate symptoms
• No forensic exam
• No consistent follow-up care
• No one treating it seriously

BREATHE is about interrupting that pattern. It trains law enforcement, advocates, and healthcare providers to ask deeper questions: Did the victim lose consciousness? Has their voice changed? Did they change their clothes before help arrived (a possible sign of bladder control loss during the incident)? Are they aware that damage to the brain or arteries may still be developing?

“We have to heighten that sense of awareness,” Morales says. “If a victim turns down a forensic exam, we remind them they still have five days to seek one. Because when you’ve been strangled or smothered, your body is still responding long after the moment has passed.”

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What Strangulation Really Does

It takes just 4 to 11 pounds of pressure — about the force of a handshake — to restrict blood flow to the brain. And the consequences can be devastating:

• Brain damage
• Stroke (even years later)
• Hearing loss
• Dislodged bones in the neck or throat
• Blood clots
• Memory loss or confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Death

Many of these injuries are internal or delayed. Women in their 30s or 40s who suffer strokes may, in fact, have been strangled years earlier — without ever making the connection.

“It’s not uncommon for someone to say, ‘I didn’t even realize I blacked out,’” Morales says. “But that’s how serious it is. You can die hours, or days, or even years later, and people don’t know.”

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A Charge That Rarely Reflects the Crime

Despite its lethality, strangulation is often misclassified or undercharged as simple assault — especially when there are no visible injuries. But New Jersey law is clear: As of 2021, strangulation in a domestic violence context is a second-degree aggravated assault — a felony that carries 5 to 10 years in prison and a presumption of incarceration.

In more extreme cases, where there is evidence of intent to kill, a history of escalating abuse, or serious injury, strangulation may be prosecuted as attempted murder — a first-degree offense.

“People don’t realize what it means to survive strangulation,” Morales says. “That someone put their hands around your neck with enough force to kill you. That’s not a ‘fight’ — that’s attempted murder.”

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A Pattern of Control — and a Predictor of Lethality

Strangulation is rarely the first incident in an abusive relationship. It often happens toward the end of a relationship, when the abuser feels a deep loss of control. By that point, anger and desperation are high — and nothing else is “working” to maintain power. That’s what makes it especially dangerous.

“When it gets to that point,” Morales explains, “it could be too late.”

• Victims who have been strangled are 750% more likely to be killed by their abuser
• Nearly 1 in 3 officers killed in the line of duty were murdered by someone with a known history of domestic violence and strangulation
• And yet, strangulation remains one of the least documented and least prosecuted forms of violence

“Strangulation is so normalized in pop culture,” Morales adds. “People get choked in movies or TV and then they’re fine. But in real life, real people die. Or they carry damage they don’t even know about.”

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What You Can Do

At Younity, advocates like Morales and Varonda Kendrick, Coordinator of the Response Teams of Mercer County, use the BREATHE Protocol to help survivors access urgent medical care, seek forensic exams, and create safety plans.

If someone you know has been strangled or smothered:

• Encourage them to seek immediate medical care. Forensic exams are available within five days. While the exam itself — conducted by a certified Forensic Nurse Examiner — is free of charge, there may be additional hospital-related costs (such as imaging or lab work), depending on insurance or eligibility for programs like Charity Care or VCCO.
• Stay with them for at least 24 hours. Symptoms may be delayed and can worsen rapidly.
• Look for red flags: hoarseness, memory gaps, dizziness, changes in mood or speech
• Connect them to Younity for safety planning and advocacy

“We’re not trying to scare people,” Morales says. “But we can’t sugarcoat it either. People need to know what strangulation really means: That it is never just a scare tactic. It is lethal. And it is urgent.”

Source:
* Glass, N., Laughon, K., Campbell, J., Block, C. R., Hanson, G., Sharps, P. W., & Taliaferro, E. H. (2008). Non-fatal strangulation is an important risk factor for homicide of women. The Journal of Emergency Medicine, 35(3), 329–335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2007.02.065

For advocates supporting victim-survivors of strangulation or suffocation, this toolkit offers essential guidance. Developed by the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention, the Advocacy Toolkit for Survivors of Strangulation/Suffocation includes practical tools, safety planning strategies, and survivor-centered language to help navigate these high-risk situations with care and expertise.
Access the full resource here:

On Friday, April 26, Younity’s board of directors and leadership team gathered for a day-long retreat focused on board development. Facilitated by Dr. Shannon Mason—who has been working closely with Younity over the past year to shape our upcoming three-year strategic plan—the retreat provided an opportunity for reflection, learning, and growth.

Throughout the day, participants explored key topics including the nonprofit lifecycle, the ten core responsibilities of a nonprofit board, and the essential dynamics of the board-management relationship. Using the results of a recent board self-assessment, the group engaged in meaningful discussions to identify our greatest strengths and most significant opportunities for growth.

Through both small group and full group activities, the board collaboratively identified three top priority areas for development and began drafting a plan for ongoing board learning and engagement.

“This retreat gave us the space to pause, reflect, and refocus on what strong governance looks like as we prepare for Younity’s next chapter,” said Nathalie Nelson, CEO & President. “I’m incredibly proud of the engagement and commitment shown by both our board and leadership team—and grateful for the partnership that makes this work possible.”

We are grateful to the Princeton Area Community Foundation for generously providing meeting space for the day. The retreat was an energizing step forward in strengthening Younity’s leadership, governance, and strategic direction.

Trigger Warning: This article discusses domestic violence, including physical assault and attempted homicide. Reader discretion is advised.

Every day and night, volunteers from Younity’s Response Teams step into hospitals and police stations to meet people in their most vulnerable moments. These volunteers—our Response Teams Advocates—bring calm, compassion, and clarity when nothing feels safe. Their work is quiet, powerful, and deeply human. Often, they are one of the first people a victim-survivor speaks to after experiencing violence, and that connection can change everything.

That’s why Response Teams Advocate Training is so critical. During a recent session, Eva Phillips, a courageous victim-survivor, shared her story. Her presence reminded everyone in the room that listening to survivors isn’t optional—it’s essential. Their lived experience helps shape more informed, compassionate care.

Her ex-boyfriend ambushed Eva after she agreed to meet for “closure” following a break-up. She was stabbed 38 times and left for dead in a parking lot. The attack left her with life-threatening injuries and trauma that would take months—and years—to heal.

“All I could think about was my daughter growing up without her mother, so I fought every day in the hospital to survive—I was determined; most days weren’t easy, but I never gave up, and now I get to be here and watch my little girl grow up, and that’s all that really matters,” Eva said.

Her recovery was grueling: 18+ hours of surgery, a coma, a stroke, permanent nerve damage, and ongoing complications that send her to the ER regularly. She was separated from her daughter for seven months. Her body will never be the same.

And still, people ask her why she didn’t end the relationship sooner. Why she met up with him. Why she was nice.

“These are the wrong questions,” says Varonda Kendrick, Response Teams Coordinator. “Instead of asking victim-survivors why they stayed, we need to ask the abuser why they harmed someone they claimed to love. ‘Why didn’t she or he leave?’ is by far the worst question we can ask. We put a lot of ownership on victims for the perpetrator’s behavior.”

She adds, “This is the other side of the trauma. The physical attack may be over, but the psychological impact remains.”

Eva’s story is a vivid reminder that trauma doesn’t end when the violence stops—it disorients, it paralyzes, and it can linger long after the bruises have faded.

Advocacy is critical not just in courtrooms or shelters, but in everyday conversations. In police departments. In hospital rooms. In training sessions like Younity’s. Because victim-blaming is a cultural reflex. It’s what keeps so many from coming forward. It’s easy. It allows us to believe “This would never happen to me.” But the reality is that anyone can find themselves—suddenly and without warning—in the most unimaginable situation, completely without control.

In those moments, our Response Teams Advocates offer more than support—they offer humanity. A blanket. A phone call. Clothes. A ride home. A hand to hold. These small acts carry immense weight.

To every Response Teams Advocate who gives their time, who listens without judgment, who stands in the gap—thank you. You are lifelines. You are hope.

Eva should never have had to prove she was worth saving. But she did—and now she’s dedicating her life to making sure others don’t have to. She is currently working toward her sociology degree, turning her pain into purpose and her story into strength.

Her voice, steady and strong, reminded all of us why we do this work. She stands up for those who can’t—and we proudly stand with her. Because together, we are stronger than abuse.

In 2014, when I was recovering from a rocky marriage and divorce, I longed for a compassionate community that would understand my experience. I considered volunteering with Younity—then called Womanspace—and thought starting a writing group would be a healing experience. But back then, I was busy rebuilding my life and short on time. I relegated the idea to the back of my mind, where it lay dormant for years.

In the fall of 2024, almost a decade later, the idea to begin a writing group crossed my mind again when I relocated to Mercer County. I was now older and wiser, a more refined teacher and writer. Maybe now was the right time to finally begin that writing group…or was it? I went on a long walk to sort out my thoughts.  As my inner critic tried to dissuade me, I came across a playing card on the sidewalk from a game called Flesh and Blood, one of those fantasy, Dungeons and Dragons-adjacent card games. I picked the card up, flipped it over, and saw the words that would embolden me: The Bolt of Courage.  

That evening, I wrote a letter to Younity proposing the idea and soon connected with Susan Victor (Younity’s Chief Operating Officer, Client & Community Services), who was enthusiastic and supportive. “You know, it’s funny—I was just thinking about something like this,” she said when we first met. Rumi said that “What you seek is seeking you,” and this felt like one of those moments. An impulse that had been building up inside of me for years had been a part of the collective unconscious all along.  

We decided to run the writing group for eight sessions over Zoom with volunteers—a wonderful group of women I feel honored to know—starting in late January 2025. For each session, I prepared a prompt accompanied by a reading to serve as inspiration. I chose from writers who have deeply moved me: Terry Tempest Williams, Chanel Miller, Meredith Hall, Maggie Smith, Mary Simmerling, and Lauren Slater.  I also did some research about writing groups and discovered a wonderful writer and teacher named Pat Schneider, who created the Amherst Writers Method. In her book, Writing Alone and With Others, Schneider outlines five essential affirmations that shaped the ethos of her writing groups, which I shared with our writers at our first session: everyone has a strong unique voice; everyone is born with creative genius; writing is an art form that belongs to the people, regardless of economic class or education level; the teaching of craft can be done without damage to original voice or artistic self-esteem; and a writer is someone who writes. Schneider died in 2020, but her egalitarian principles survive her. Were she alive today, I would offer her my gratitude for being our lodestar.  

I could tell after our first meeting in January that I would want to hear everything this group of women had to say. Sharing at each session was encouraged but always optional. Writers didn’t share their writing at every session, nor did I want them to feel pressured to do so. Over time, however, each writer courageously shared with our group, and I carry their stories in my heart. These women amused me, made me laugh, and broke my heart; they shared everything, and they made me feel everything.

When we write, we make sense of our lives and render the disjointed chaos of our human experience into a coherent narrative. When we integrate traumatic events and dark periods into a larger life story, we process complex emotions and make peace with our past. Throughout our time together, our writers shared the benefits they experienced in writing and sharing their stories within the context of our supportive community. One woman mentioned that she frequently traveled, always trying to escape her pain.  During the pandemic, she was forced to slow down and travel inward. In writing with our group, she continued this internal journey, examining aspects of her past she previously had not felt ready to confront. Another woman emailed me that the writing was “a challenge, but cleansing at the same time.”  Yet another one of our writers, who aspires to publish a book about her experiences, emailed me to express her appreciation for how the writing group helped her be more intentional in her writing process.  She felt less alone as a result of writing and hoped her stories would offer solace to readers who feel alienated by their trauma.  

Of course, I was thrilled to hear that our writers were growing, healing, processing their pain, and even making art from it. I know from my own experience–in both scattershot journaling as well as more sustained, focused projects–the curative power of writing. But the good news is, this healing is not mere anecdotal reportage; expressive writing has tangible, scientifically-proven benefits. Psychologist James Pennebaker found in his research that “Writing about important personal experiences in an emotional way for as little as 15 minutes over the course of three days brings about improvements in mental and physical health. This finding has been replicated across age, gender, culture, social class, and personality type.”

Another gift of storytelling is that the stories we tell ourselves about our lives are not static. They can change over time with maturity and perspective. We can reframe old events with newfound compassion for ourselves. We can challenge old stories we’ve been telling ourselves for years, or even decades, in light of personal growth and insight. This reappraisal can be empowering. As author George Saunders puts it, “Reconsideration in hard; it takes courage. We have to deny ourselves the comfort of always being the same person, one who arrived at an answer some time ago and has never had any reason to doubt it. In other words, we have to stay open (easy to say, in that confident, New Age way, but so hard to actually do, in the face of actual, grinding, terrifying life).”  

Indeed, staying openhearted in a world that can be cruel and punishing is no easy task; this is why practicing openheartedness within the context of a supportive community, like the one we established with our volunteers, is helpful. Our writing group valued creative expression and nonjudgmental listening. Essentially, it was a miniature retreat so we could feel more whole and brave when we re-entered the world. Retreating is not an act of passivity; it is a powerful act of self-care that allows us to carry on with the business of living.  

All of our writing sessions were meaningful, but one session stands out to me in particular: the evening we read Mary Simmerling’s poem, “What I Was Wearing,” in which she describes what she wore the night she was sexually assaulted. I offered the following prompt: Use your memory of what you were wearing at a specific moment to tell a story you want to tell.  (If you want to delve into and unpack a traumatic event, you may, but you do not have to.) Oftentimes, recalling small details— like what we were wearing—can trigger related memories.  Like Simmerling, you may want to use what you were wearing to make a point.

One woman shared a story about choosing a beautiful, colorful outfit for her 40th birthday after going through a dark period in her life. As she read, I shared the joy she experienced in celebrating herself and appreciating her beauty. Another woman shared a brutal story about her sexual assault, which shattered me and brought me to tears.  

This session reminded me of how hard it is to feel everything. In order to feel anything, we have to be willing to feel everything; numbing ourselves to pain also numbs our joy. Allowing ourselves to feel the full weight of our humanity and sharing that humanity with others–that takes courage. I am so grateful to the volunteers at Younity for sharing their courage with me.  

Survivors can now track their S.A.F.E. kits

On January 23, 2025, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law S715/A908, known as The New Jersey Sexual Assault Evidence Tracking Act, establishing an internet-based tracking system for sexual assault forensic evidence (S.A.F.E.) kits. This system enhances transparency and empowers survivors by allowing them to monitor the status and location of their kits throughout the investigative process.

Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, a primary sponsor, emphasized the importance of this legislation in supporting survivors’ rights and promoting accountability within the criminal justice system.

Younity was honored to be present at the signing ceremony, reaffirming our commitment to advocating for victim-survivors and collaborating on initiatives that promote a more just and equitable community. Learn more here.

This law marks a significant step forward in New Jersey’s survivor-centered, trauma-informed response to sexual violence. By granting survivors real-time access to SAFE kit information, the state aims to foster trust and encourage reporting.

Survivors Now Have Expanded Legal Rights to Seek Justice

New Jersey has taken a significant step forward in supporting victim-survivors of sexual violence with the passage of The Justice for Survivors Act (A-4684/S-3564). Signed into law
by Governor Phil Murphy, this legislation removes legal barriers
that previously made it harder for survivors to seek justice.

What does this mean?

• Survivors now have more time to file lawsuits against their abusers, even
  if the original statute of limitations has passed.
  
• Nonprofits can no longer claim immunity if they were negligent in cases of sexual abuse, allowing survivors to hold them accountable.
  
• Public entities, like government agencies, can no longer use immunity as a defense in civil cases related to sexual violence.

These changes ensure survivors have a fair chance to pursue justice, no matter when the abuse occurred or who was responsible. Younity fully supports this law and remains committed to providing resources, advocacy, and hope for all victim-survivors.

First established in 2001, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) honors the resiliency and healing of victim-survivors while drawing critical attention to this important issue. This year’s SAAM theme is Together We Act, United We Change, emphasizing the power of collective action in building safer communities. When we stand together, we are stronger than abuse.

There are many ways to take action—wear teal and raise awareness on social media using #SAAM, participate in Denim Day by wearing jeans, or join us on April 30th at the H.U.B. in Trenton to decorate jeans in solidarity with victim-survivors. You can also check out the SAAM exhibition at the Robert J. Hughes Justice Complex and other community events throughout April.

Every action, no matter how small, helps create change.

How You Can Take Action This April

Wear Teal
Teal is the official color of sexual violence prevention. Wear it proudly to show your support and spark conversations about consent, safety, and respect. Share your photos on social media using #SAAM2025.

Walk with Us at the 10th Annual R.O.S.A. Walk (April 12)
Hosted by R.O.S.A. and One Heaven Inc., this annual walk for SAAM takes place at Cadwalader Park in Trenton, with virtual participation also available.
Registration starts at 8:00 AM
The first 100 registrants receive a free t-shirt.
Visit TONABUCK.COM to register.

Join Denim Day at the H.U.B. (April 30)
In solidarity with victim-survivors, Younity is joining the global Denim Day movement.
Where: The H.U.B., 16 W. Front Street, 3rd Floor, Trenton NJ
Time: 3:30 to 5:00 P.M.
Decorate jeans, speak out against victim-blaming, and stand up for survivors.

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Policy Progress in New Jersey

This year, survivor advocacy saw major wins in Trenton—and Younity was there for it all:

SAFE Kit Tracking Act (S715/A908)
Signed into law in January, this act establishes a tracking system for sexual assault forensic evidence (SAFE) kits. Survivors can now monitor the status of their kit throughout the investigative process—building transparency, accountability, and trust.

Justice for Survivors Act (A-4684/S-3564)
This new law:

• Extends the time survivors have to file lawsuits, even after the statute of limitations
• Removes legal immunity for nonprofits and public entities in civil cases related to sexual violence
• Ensures survivors can hold institutions accountable

These changes are a powerful step forward in creating a more just, trauma-informed legal system for survivors across New Jersey.

You can read more here.

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Together, We Make a Difference

Whether you’re wearing teal, walking with us, decorating denim, or raising your voice online, your actions matter. SAAM is more than a month on the calendar. It’s a movement toward a safer, more compassionate world.

Want to stay connected?
Sign up for our newsletter to get updates on SAAM events and other ways to support victim-survivors of sexual and domestic violence.

Questions?
Contact us at education@younitynj.org

At Younity (formerly Womanspace), we know that law enforcement plays a critical role in supporting victim-survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Officers are often the first point of contact after a traumatic event, and their response can shape whether a victim-survivor feels supported enough to seek help. That’s why we are committed to strengthening partnerships with law enforcement through ongoing training and collaboration, ensuring officers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide trauma-informed responses.

Training to Improve Police Response

Throughout January, Varonda Kendrick, Younity’s Response Teams Coordinator, provided 16 days of training to the Hamilton Police Department, reaching over 160 officers. These sessions covered key topics such as:
• The dynamics of domestic violence and why leaving an abuser is complex.
• Understanding coercive control, emotional abuse, and strangulation risks.
• The impact of trauma on victim-survivors and how to provide a compassionate response.
• Ensuring victim-survivors are connected with essential resources.

By prioritizing trauma-informed policing, officers can help build trust with victim-survivors and create pathways to safety and justice.

A Shared Commitment to Safer Communities

We deeply appreciate our collaboration with law enforcement and recognize that by working together, we can build a stronger, safer community for all. A special thank you to Sgt. Mark Watson for helping coordinate these training sessions and to the officers who participated in this important initiative:

• Detective Chris Pullen
• Detective Bob Whartenby
• Detective Sam Young
• Sergeant Mark Watson
• Lieutenant Dave Schultz
• Sergeant Rick Guarin
• Sergeant Kevin Wilkins
• Detective Dan Inman

Looking Ahead

Younity remains committed to expanding training opportunities and enhancing partnerships with police departments across Mercer County. We believe that through education, collaboration, and community engagement, we can foster a justice system that prioritizes the safety, dignity, and well-being of all victim-survivors.

Stay tuned for updates on future law enforcement training initiatives.

We are beyond excited to honor Angela Ferrell-Zabala, Executive Director of Moms Demand Action, as this year’s recipient of The Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award. Angela is a visionary leader in the movement to end gun violence, driving one of the most powerful grassroots organizations in the nation. Her tireless advocacy and passion for public safety align deeply with Younity’s mission to create safer futures for victim-survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Why Angela’s Work Matters

The connection between domestic violence and gun violence is undeniable. Research shows that when an abuser has access to a firearm, the risk of homicide increases fivefold. Guns are the most common weapon used in intimate partner homicides, and tragically, more than half of all female homicide victims in the U.S. are killed by a current or former partner. Angela’s leadership in the fight for common-sense gun laws directly addresses this crisis and protects the lives of victim-survivors and their families.

Through Moms Demand Action, Angela has:
• Led nationwide efforts to close loopholes that allow abusers to access firearms.
• Advocated for the reauthorization and expansion of the Violence Against Women Act, ensuring stronger protections for victim-survivors.
• Pushed for community-based solutions that empower survivors and prevent violence before it starts.

A Leader Who Embodies Younity’s Mission

Angela’s work is about more than policy—it’s about people. She is a fierce advocate for equity, ensuring that the most vulnerable communities—women, children, people of color, and marginalized groups—have the support they need. Like Younity, she believes everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes and communities. Her dedication to survivor-centered solutions and grassroots mobilization reflects our own efforts to prevent domestic violence, support victim-survivors, and create lasting change.

Join Us to Celebrate Angela’s Impact

Angela Ferrell-Zabala’s commitment to justice and survivor safety makes her an extraordinary honoree for The Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award. We invite you to celebrate her achievements at our 29th Annual Awards Dinner on May 15, 2025, at The Boathouse at Mercer Lake in West Windsor, NJ.

• Tickets available soon! Stay tuned for details on how to attend this inspiring evening.

• Sponsorships Now Available! Be a supporter of Younity’s biggest event of the year. Learn about opportunities here.

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