New Jersey-2024-SJR35-Introduced

A Joint Resolution designating October of each year as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month" in New Jersey.

Whereas, Over one million women and hundreds of thousands of men experience some form of domestic violence every year in the United States; and

Whereas, According to the 2017 annual report on domestic violence by the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts, more than 40,000 domestic violence complaints were made in 2017 in the State of New Jersey; and

Whereas, Domestic violence is a serious problem affecting people of all ages as well as all racial, ethnic, gender, economic, and religious backgrounds; and

Whereas, Domestic violence involves physical, emotional or mental violence or abuse between individuals in a familial or intimate relationship; and

Whereas, The devastating effects of domestic violence include physical injury, psychological trauma, or in some cases even death; and

Whereas, Women are disproportionately targeted as victims of domestic violence, as one in four women will experience domestic violence at some point in her life and on average more than three women are murdered by their partners in the United States every day; and

Whereas, Domestic violence has a significant negative economic impact on both the victim and the nation as a whole due to loss of paid work days and substantial medical costs incurred due to injuries; and

Whereas, Ninety-six percent of domestic violence victims who are employed experience problems at work due to abuse and many domestic violence victims report that this violence has been a factor in job loss; and

Whereas, Domestic violence has both an immediate and long-term negative impact on the health of the victims and studies have shown a link between domestic violence and a myriad of health problems, including: smoking, diabetes, obesity, eating disorders, and substance abuse; and

Whereas, Domestic violence is also associated with mental health problems such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression; and

Whereas, There is an urgent need to increase public awareness and understanding of domestic violence and its devastating effects on individuals, families, and communities to help prevent these violent acts; and

Whereas, It is fitting and proper for the State of New Jersey to bring the discussion on domestic violence to the forefront of current health and safety issues and confirm our commitment to the protection of those who are most vulnerable by designating the month of October each year as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month" in New Jersey; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The month of October of each year is designated as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month" in the State of New Jersey.

2. The Governor is requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of this State to observe "Domestic Violence Awareness Month" with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

Over one million women and hundreds of thousands of men experience some form of domestic violence by a partner or family member every year in the United States. According to the 2017 statistical report prepared by the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts, more than 40,000 domestic violence complaints were made in 2017 in the State of New Jersey.

Domestic violence is a serious problem affecting people of all ages as well as racial, ethnic, gender, economic, and religious backgrounds. The devastating effects of domestic violence include physical injury, psychological trauma, or in some cases even death. Domestic violence has both an immediate and long-term negative impact on the health of the victims and studies have shown a link between domestic violence and a myriad of health problems, including: smoking, diabetes, obesity, eating disorders, and substance abuse.

Emotional and physical consequences of continued abuse can be severe and greater awareness may help prevent domestic violence in our communities and confirm our commitment to the protection of those who are most vulnerable.