October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month In Somerset County

by the County of Union

Relationships almost never start out abusive; they often begin with love and intimacy. What is domestic violence? It is a pattern of assault and coercive behaviors that abusive individuals use to control their intimate partners.

To help raise awareness, the Board of Chosen Freeholders recently proclaimed the month of October as Somerset County Domestic Abuse Awareness Month. In the photo above, Freeholder Director Patrick Scaglione presents the proclamation to Development Coordinator Veronica Finlay in recognition of the dedicated efforts of the Resource Center of Somerset to provide services to survivors of domestic violence and abuse, including emergency shelter, legal advocacy and community education.

The Resource Center of Somerset will sponsor its 26th annual Candlelight Vigil for Victims of Domestic Abuse starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Franklin Township Municipal Complex. The vigil is held in memory of those who have died as a result of domestic abuse in Somerset County and to celebrate those who have survived. Members of the public are invited to attend.