Sussex Co. Officials Honor Domestic Violence Survivors

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ - Light cut through the darkness last month as a small group gathered for a candlelight vigil to remember individuals who were lost to domestic violence; and to honor those who have survived it.

To recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Sussex County Freeholder Director Sylvia Petillo and Sussex County Prosecutor Francis Koch, were two of the keynote speakers during DASI’s first virtual vigil, livestreamed on Facebook, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On behalf of the Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Petillo read and presented a proclamation to DASI, the non-profit group also known as Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Intervention Services, which helps to provide services including emergency shelter, housing, transportation, childcare and legal representation to victims of domestic
violence.

“Sussex County joins with others across New Jersey and the nation in supporting
victims of domestic violence, as well as local programs, state coalitions, national organizations and other agencies nationwide, who are committed to increasing public awareness of domestic violence; and sending a clear message to abusers that domestic violence is not tolerated in Sussex County,” Petillo read.

She shared statistics that reflected, during one given day in New Jersey, 1,300 victims
of domestic violence statewide call domestic violence programs and shelters for assistance. On that same day, Petillo read, 126 calls were made asking for assistance, in programs outside of Sussex County, including requests for emergency shelter, but could not be provided to victims because programs in those areas did not have the resources. That day, there were additionally 571 calls on helplines and 256 people that attended “prevention and educational trainings.”

“It’s really important as a community, we remain vigilant [to domestic violence],” Petillo
said. Petillo explained that the isolation during the pandemic has caused issues to fester in households, where victims may have previously had an escape route. She suggested
neighbors check on those families of whom they may see the signs of domestic violence; and
if necessary, contact DASI or local law enforcement, including the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, for help.

Petillo also read a proclamation that Sen. Steve Oroho, R- 24th. Dist., had planned to
present, but was unable to attend the event because of an emergent conflict in his schedule.

Koch thanked the Freeholders, Legislative District 24 and all of the individuals who work
at DASI.

“We come together tonight to honor those in the community who we have lost to
domestic violence and to honor their memories,” Koch said. “But, also to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We celebrate the lives of all of the survivors, who are still with us tonight.”

“Your work is tireless,” Koch added about those working with DASI. “You are individuals
that go out of your way and work for others, others that are unable to advocate for themselves, unable to represent themselves, unable to sometimes even see the good in themselves; and you are there for them. Sometimes as just a shoulder to cry on, sometimes as an advocate and sometimes as someone who is able to direct them in the right direction.”

Kim Spangenberg, DASI’s incoming CEO, welcomed the attendees and presented
DASI’s “Full Circle Award” to Carly DeOliveira, who found DASI in her own battle to survive domestic violence. DeOliveira has since become a volunteer with DASI’s Domestic Violence Response Team and legal advocacy program.

Jennifer Cable from DASI’s Board of Trustees said she hopes next year’s program can
be in person again and encouraged those who would like to volunteer with DASI, to contact
the group on its website, www.dasi.org.

James Elsaesser and Lori Ciampi read poems written by survivors in DASI’s poetry
group, near the conclusion of the program, which wound down with a candlelit moment of
silence.

Thanks for reading! Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Have a news tip you'd like to share? Or maybe you have a press release you would like to submit or a correction you'd like to request? Send an email to russ.crespolini@patch.com

Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter. You can also have them delivered to your phone screen by downloading, or by visiting the Google Play store.

This article originally appeared on the Hopatcong-Sparta Patch