On March 19, 2002 Hawthorne, new Jersey became the first town and police department in Passaic County to start the Domestic Violence Response Team Program.
On July 1, 2002 Hawthorne was the first to have 32 volunteer members finish the 40-hours of state mandated training, and begin meeting with victims of domestic violence.
The Hawthorne Domestic Violence Response Team currently has over 40 members and remains available to meet with victims of domestic violence 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Hawthorne Domestic Response Violence Team has grown over the years and has been very active in the community through several on going programs.
***Printed its own Domestic Violence Information Handbook.
***In school awareness training (grades 4-12).
***Candlelight Vigil.
***Award Scholarships to local students.
***Purchased and donated training films and books on Domestic Violence, which are available at the Hawthorne library.
***Purple Ribbon Campaign provided assistance and counseling to over 400 victims of domestic violence.
*DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS A CRIME.
*DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS THE HIGHEST UNREPORTED CRIME IN THE NATION.
*EVERY DAY FOUR WOMEN DIE IN THIS COUNTRY AS A RESULT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.
*DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF INJURY TO WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES,
MORE THAN ALL CAR ACCIDENTS, MUGGINGS, AND RAPES COMBINED
*DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OCCURS AMONG ALL RACES, AGES, AND RELIGIONS, OCCUPATIONS,
AND INCOME LEVELS.
When spouses, intimate partners, or dates use physical violence, threats, emotional abuse, harassment, or stalking, to control the behavior of their partners, they are committing Domestic Violence.
Physical violence includes putting on person against their will. It also includes shoving, pushing, grabbing, pulling, or forcing some one to stay somewhere. Regardless of the relationship between two people, using physical violence against someone is a crime.
Very few people identify themselves as abusers or victims. They may remain silent about the issue because of the havoc that Domestic Violence has created in their workplace and family lives. Victims may be silent about the abuse because of embarrassment or shame, or for fear that their batterers will hurt them or their children if they tell other people about the violence. Abusers may minimize their actions or blame the victims for provoking the violence. Both victims and abusers may characterize their experiences as family quarrels that "GOT OUT OF CONTROL".
Domestic Violence is not new to our community, or to any other community in our country. We are aware of recent U.S. Department Of Justice statistics, which indicates that violence by current or former partners of women is common and frequent, and is a major cause of injuries. We believe that many of these injuries are preventable, and that the way in which we as law enforcement agency respond to abuse can make a difference for many families in our community.
Because society now views Domestic Violence as a serious and not a private family matter its law are constantly changing. This makes it difficult for the police, as they need to be updated on recent court decisions and new laws. Both the police and society in general need to be educated on two main points. One is why the victim doesn't leave, and the second is why a batterer abuses a loved one.
Our community, and police department have taken the necessary steps to coordinate a positive response to try to break this continuous cycle of domestic violence, and to educate the public that this crime must no longer go unreported. The Borough of Hawthorne, its Police Department, and the Passaic County Women's Center are proud of its Hawthorne Domestic Violence Response Team. This group is made up of volunteers who have completed a mandated 40 hours of Domestic Violence training in order to be in compliance with New Jersey Statute on Victim/Counselor Confidentiality. This core of volunteers assist in identifying other ways in which the community can work together to build awareness and improve service to families who experience the tragedy of Domestic Violence.
Recovery from abuse is a process, not an event. Response team initiatives help in this process by identifying abused victims, acknowledging the unacceptability of the violence, offering non-judgmental support, encouragement and crisis counseling, exploring alternatives and providing appropriate referrals.
The presence of a Hawthorne Domestic Violence Response Team in our community sends a message that family violence will not be tolerated in any form, and that our community is committed to assist and support the victims in every way possible. Many successful teams already exist in New Jersey and around the country. The Hawthorne Domestic Response Team was the first team organized and functioning; in Passaic County; and intend to be the best!
Our goal is simply make a real impact, in our fight to break the cycle of Domestic Violence in the Borough of Hawthorne.
Respectfully Committed
Sgt. John A. Carbone
Domestic Violence Liaison Officer