SHERIFF’S OFFICE RECOGNIZES DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office continues its law enforcement efforts and educational initiatives in addressing this serious problem.

“Domestic violence, alcohol and substance abuse all contribute to the cycle of recidivism that causes offenders to re-enter county correctional facilities,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden, whose agency runs the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, (MCCI). “Approaches such as proactive awareness and educational programs are vital in our efforts toward breaking the cycle.”

MCCI offers several programs to male and female inmates that help address problems before they are reintegrated back into society. Errors & Thinking, led by certified trained counselors is a cognitive based program, conducted daily, and deals with serious issues that often lead to domestic violence. In addition, anger management and parenting classes are offered regularly.

According to a New Jersey State Police Uniform Crime Report, in 2011, there were 70,311 reported domestic violence offenses, 5,196 of them occurred in Monmouth County.

The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Division plays a large role in addressing domestic violence related offenses. Sheriff’s officers immediately act upon court orders and serve hundreds of domestic violence restraining orders annually. The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office was recognized as “Agency of the Year” in 2012 by the New Jersey Child Support Council.

“It is an honor for the sheriff’s office to be recognized by the Child Support Council for our successful child support and domestic violence initiatives,” said Sheriff Golden. “Non-payment of child support is an offense that may often become the catalyst for violence.”

The first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed in 1987. Congress designated October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989.