Domestic Violence Awareness |
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Dear Friend,
October is domestic violence awareness month. I am saddened that this heinous behavior is so prevalent that it's necessary to have a month dedicated to bring attention to it.
Did you know that:
· On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. For one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men.
· 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking with impacts such as injury, fearfulness, post-traumatic stress disorder, use of victim services, contraction of sexually transmitted diseases, etc.
· 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have been victims of severe physical violence (e.g., beating, burning, strangling) by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
· 1 in 7 women and 1 in 18 men have been stalked by an intimate partner during their lifetime to the point in which they felt very fearful or believed that they or someone close to them would be harmed or killed.
· Intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of all violent crimes.
Domestic victimization is correlated with a higher rate of depression and suicidal behavior. (Source)
These are alarming statistics, and it paints a violent picture. No one should be terrorized in their own home by someone who professes to care for them. No adult entering innocently into an intimate relationship should be subject to pain and suffering physically or emotionally. Domestic abuse does not discriminate based on gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity, and financial status. Those who experience abuse often try to cover up the situation due to fear, intimidation, and emotional control by the abuser.
In recent news, Gabby Petito, a 22-year-old young adult, was found dead from strangulation. The main suspect is her former boyfriend. There were clear signs Petito and her boyfriend had a physically abusive relationship. During their cross-country trip, several reports and witnesses saw Petito's boyfriend physically hurting her. People who experience domestic abuse are usually mentally reconditioned by the abuser and are emotionally crippled. I believe that when someone cannot help themselves, we can and should provide that help. We should be alert for signs of abuse among family members, friends, and even neighbors. We can be voices for them when they can't find the strength to speak for themselves. Perhaps if someone had intervened, Gabby Petito would be alive today.
Those who abuse others seek to gain and maintain control by instilling fear, shaming, isolating, intimidating, and degrading to force total submission. How can we begin to address this epidemic? The fact is, abusive behavior is never acceptable, whether from a man, woman, friend, or family. Everyone deserves to feel valued, respected, loved, and safe within their homes and their relationships. To combat this deadly threat, we must confront and address the root cause —people's perception. Domestic abuse is often minimized and judged by others outside of the situation. We often wonder, "why doesn't the abused person just leave?" The fact is that there are many psychological factors at work in an abusive situation, and we should offer help without judgment. We shouldn't judge or minimize someone's abuse based on personal beliefs. Social networks can be utilized to spread awareness of a topic that many like to avoid. By targeting these issues head-on and taking direct responsibility, we can impact and minimize the high rates of domestic violence.
If you are the victim of abuse, please know that you are not alone. Take the first step and call 911 and report the abuse to law enforcement, who have access to resources that can offer you shelter in a safe place, among other things. Ensure your physical safety, seek refuge, and get away from the abuser before it is too late. Call a Domestic Violence Hotline for guidance, seek professional assistance to treat the trauma, and begin moving forward with your life.
Always remember that domestic violence is illegal under US law. Domestic violence victims are protected regardless of immigration or citizenship status. Do not remain quiet, do not submit yourself to physical and psychological pain. The only real threat to your life is the person committing the crime. In this instance, a victim of abuse who is not a legal resident or citizen of the US has the same rights and protection as those who are.
I will always be an advocate for those within our community who are hurting and victimized. Please join me to be our community's eyes and ears, and together we can turn and stem the tide against domestic violence, not just this month but permanently.
Creating One Plainfield. One Future.
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Conciencia de la Violencia Domestica |
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Querido Friend,
Octubre es el mes de la conciencia de la violencia doméstica. Me entristece que este comportamiento atroz sea tan frecuente que es necesario tener un mes dedicado a atraer la atención sobre él.
Sabías que:
· En un promedio, casi 20 personas por minuto son abusados físicamente por una pareja intima en los Estados Unidos. Durante un año, esto equivale a más de 10 millones de mujeres y hombres.
· 1 de cada 4 mujeres y 1 de cada 9 hombres experiencia violencia física severa por una pareja intima, violencia sexual por una pareja intima, o/y acoso por una pareja íntima con impactos como lesiones, miedo, trastorno de estrés post dramático, uso de servicios para víctimas, contracción de enfermedades de transmisión sexual, y mas
· 1 de cada 4 mujeres y 1 de cada 7 hombres han sido víctimas de violencia física grave (por ejemplo, palizas, quemaduras, estrangulamientos) por parte de una pareja íntima a lo largo de su vida.
· 1 de cada 7 mujeres y 1 de cada 18 hombres han sido acosados por una pareja íntima durante su vida hasta el punto en que se sintieron muy assustados o creyeron que ellos o alguien cercano a ellos serían dañados o asesinados.
· La violencia de pareja representa el 15% de todos los delitos violentos. La victimización doméstica se correlaciona con un mayor porcentaje de depresión y comportamiento suicida. (Fuente)
Estas son estadísticas alarmantes, y pinta un imagen violento. Nadie debe ser aterrorizado en su propia casa por alguien que profesa cuidar de ellos. Ningún adulto que entre inocentemente a una relación íntima debe estar sujeto a dolor y sufrimiento físico o emocional. El abuso doméstico no discrimina en función del género, la orientación sexual o el origen étnico y el estado financiero. Aquellos que experiencia abuso frecuentemente tratan de encubrir la situación debido al miedo, la intimidación y el control emocional por parte del abusador.
En noticias recientes, Gabby Petito, una joven adulta de 22 años, fue encontrada muerta por estrangulamiento. El principal sospechoso es su ex novio. Había señales claras de que Petito y su novio tenían una relación físicamente abusiva. Durante su viaje por todo el país, varios informes y testigos vieron al novio de Petito lastimándola físicamente. Las personas que experimentan abuso doméstico generalmente son reacondicionadas mentalmente por el abusador y están emocionalmente lisiadas. Creo que cuando alguien no puede ayudarse a sí mismo, podemos y debemos proporcionar esa ayuda. Debemos estar atentos a los signos de abuso entre familiares, amigos y incluso vecinos. Podemos ser voces para ellos cuando ellos no pueden encontrar las fuerzas para hablar sobre ellos mismos. Talvez si alguien hubiera intervenido, Gaby Petito estaría viva hoy.
Aquellos que abusan de otros buscan obtener y mantener el control inculcando miedo, vergüenza, aislamiento, intimidación y degradándolos para forzar la sumisión total. ¿Cómo podemos empezar a atacar esta epidemia? El hecho es que el comportamiento abusivo nunca es aceptable, ya sea de un hombre, una mujer, un amigo o de un familiar. Todos merecen sentirse valorados, respetados, amados y seguros dentro de sus hogares y sus relaciones. Para combatir esta amenaza mortal, debemos enfrentar y atacar la causa raíz: la percepción de las personas. El abuso doméstico es minimizado frecuentemente y juzgado por otros fuera de la situación. A menudo nos preguntamos, "¿por qué la persona abusada no se va?" El hecho es que hay muchos factores psicológicos envueltos en una situación abusiva, y debemos ofrecer ayuda sin discriminación. No debemos juzgar o minimizar el abuso de alguien basado en creencias personales. Las redes sociales se pueden utilizar para propagar la conciencia de un tema que a muchos les gusta evitar. Al enfocar problemas de frente y asumir la responsabilidad directa, podemos impactar y minimizar el porcentaje alto de violencia doméstica.
Si usted es víctima de abuso, por favor sepa que no está solo. Dé el primer paso y llame al 911 y denuncie el abuso a la policía, que tiene acceso a recursos que pueden ofrecerle refugio en un lugar seguro, entre otras cosas. Garantice su seguridad física, busque refugio y aléjese del abusador antes de que sea demasiado tarde. Llame a una línea directa de violencia doméstica para obtener orientación, busque asistencia profesional para tratar el trauma y comience a seguir adelante con su vida.
Recuerde siempre que la violencia doméstica es ilegal según la ley de los Estados Unidos. Las víctimas de violencia doméstica están protegidas independientemente de su estatus migratorio o de ciudadanía. No te quedes callado, no te sometas al dolor físico y psicológico. La única amenaza real para su vida es la persona que comete el crimen. En este caso, una víctima de abuso que no es residente legal o ciudadano de los Estados Unidos tiene los mismos derechos y protección que aquellos que sí lo son.
Siempre seré un defensor de aquellos dentro de nuestra comunidad que están sufriendo y victimizados. Por favor, únase a mí para ser los ojos y oídos de nuestra comunidad, y juntos podemos cambiar y detener la marea contra la violencia doméstica, no solo este mes sino permanentemente.
Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.
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October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month |
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October was first declared as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989. Since then, October has been a time to acknowledge domestic violence survivors and be a voice for its victims. Domestic violence is prevalent in every community, and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality.
Physical violence is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior as part of a much larger, systematic pattern of dominance and control. Domestic violence can result in physical injury, psychological trauma, and even death. The devastating consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and last a lifetime.
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A Mile in Her Shoes: Changing the Perspective on Domestic Violence |
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A Mile in Her Shoes: Changing Perspective on Domestic Violence |
Ryan Calvert | TEDxFrisco
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Signs of Domestic Abuse:
● The abuser tends to minimize the situation
● Extreme jealousy
● Physical marks on the body
● Isolation, intimidation, verbal threats
● Abuser harasses and embarrasses you in front of friends or co-workers
What are The Different Types of Abuse:
● Emotional or Psychological Abuse: the abuser's objective is to control, demean and control your self-worth. Their goal is to make you feel dependent on them. Emotional abuse includes yelling, name-calling, threats to cause you physical harm, balming, isolation, and shaming.
● Physical or Sexual Abuse: physical or sexual abuse is used against you in such a way that endangers or harms you. This form of abuse is intended to be used against you to instill fear and manipulate you into submissiveness.
● Financial or Economic Abuse: the objective, in this case, is to control your finances by withholding your money, controlling necessities, preventing you from working and making your own money, stealing or taking your money.
REMEMBER: The abuser seeks to dominate, humiliate, isolate, threaten, use force if needed, and blame. These individuals seek to control you.
Seek Help
● Call 911 and report the abuse.
● Get a restraining order and create physical and verbal distance from the abuser.
● Seek professional psychological assistance
● Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or
1-800-787-3224 - they offer anonymous and confidential help is available 24/7
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RECAP | Hispanic Heritage Event 2021 |
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Last Friday, October 8th the City celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with an event highlighting the culture and traditions of our Latino community.
In addition, Mayor Adrian O. Mapp was assisted by Council Vice President Barry Goode, Councilwoman Ashley Davis, Union County Vice Chair Rebecca Williams and Commissioner Sergio Granados in the Vaccine Lottery Drawing for the month of September. Four new winners were selected. Other Council members in attendance were Councilwoman Joylette Mills-Ransome and Councilman Charles McRae.
The event featured performances of songs and dances that showcased pride and love for a heritage that is recognized daily in the Plainfield community.
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REMINDER | Utilities Resources
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For more information on qualifying equipment, eligibility and how to apply, please visit one of the websites below:
PSE&G Residential Electric and Gas Customers Click Here
PSE&G Commercial & Industrial Customers Click Here
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The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities ("NJBPU" or “Board”) is the state agency with authority to oversee the regulated utilities, which provide critical services such as natural gas, electricity, water, telecommunications, and cable television. The law requires the Board to ensure safe, adequate, and proper utility services at reasonable rates for customers in New Jersey.
The below links provide assistance for utilities.
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CITY OF PLAINFIELD | Vaccine Lottery
Drawing Winners and Vaccine Clinic Locations
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Congratulations to the winners for September - Cynise Reaves, Jose Membreno, Henry Membreno, Marco Jocho.
Congratulations to our previous winners for August: Celestino Garcia, Ventura Perez Hernandez, Sergio Monvou, and Mari Livia Finzo.
July Winners: Jorge China, Guadalupe Aguilar, Melina Coleman, Katherine Costro
We are urging residents to get vaccinated as we work together to fight the effects of the Delta Variant. There is so much misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine and its side effects and efficacy. Speak with your health care provider to address any concerns.
Get vaccinated through the City of Plainfield, Union County, the Neighborhood Health Center, or any other approved Plainfield location for your chance to win $5,000. Plainfield residents must be 18 years or older to qualify, and proof of residency must be shown at the time of vaccination. Four winners, two who received their first dose and two who obtained their second dose, will be chosen each month.
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We are committed to keeping our residents and community safe. Please be aware that
there is a vaccine clinic every Wednesday through October 27th conveniently located in front of City Hall - 515 Watchung Avenue. There are also additional locations throughout the City.
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Construction Jobs Partnership Program & Other Employment Opportunities |
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The City of Plainfield is proud to announce its Construction Jobs Partnership Program. As more development projects launch we want to ensure that residents take advantage of the opportunities they create.
The Queen City is on the move. If you are a resident interested in working on a construction site, please fill out the Information Form Below and submit it to Plainfieldjobs@plainfieldnj.gov .
Click the below image for application.
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CLICK HERE for Employment Opportunities with the City of Plainfield. |
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#LOVEPLAINFIELD | #AMOPLAINFIELD
SPOTLIGHT
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Welcome to the City of Plainfield! Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.
#LovePlainfieldNJ #LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield
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UNION COUNTY: "Bubble" Fountain adds New Sights and Sounds to Sensory
Friendly Trail
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Union County received Watts Foundation grant to add new water element |
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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that a new water element has been added to the Sensory Friendly Trail, through a grant awarded by the Blanche M. and George L. Watts Mountainside Community Foundation to the Trailside Museum Association.
The Sensory Friendly Trail is located on the grounds of the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Union County’s Watchung Reservation, at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Admission to Trailside and its ground is free, and free parking is located on site.
“This grant will enable the Sensory Friendly Trail to provide additional sensory experiences and new opportunities to explore the beautiful natural surroundings at the Trailside Nature and Science Center,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “On behalf of the Board, I thank the Watts Foundation for their generous contribution, and the Trailside Museum Association for their dedication to nature education and conservation.”
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FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE:
Murphy Administration Releases Final Climate Change Resiliency Strategy to Protect New Jersey's Communities, Environment and Infrastructure
from Climate Change
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TRENTON, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy’s Interagency Council on Climate Resilience released the final version of the state’s first Climate Change Resiliency Strategy, a science-based blueprint for protecting New Jersey’s vulnerable communities, environment, economy, and infrastructure from the impacts of climate change.
The Climate Change Resilience Strategy outlines six state priorities to guide state and local government climate action and includes over 100 recommendations to strengthen New Jersey against climate impacts, including sea-level rise, chronic flooding, rising temperatures, and more frequent and intense storm events. The plan, which was first released for public review and comment on Earth Day, will be a working document supported by a continued robust public engagement process to address the ongoing climate threats to New Jersey. In October 2019, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 89, which appointed the state’s first Chief Resilience Officer, established an Interagency Council on Climate Resilience, and directed the Department of Environmental Protection to develop the strategy.
“Climate change is the single greatest long-term threat facing humanity, and as Tropical Storm Ida made painfully clear in September, New Jersey’s climate change risks are already manifesting across the state,” said Governor Murphy. “These risks will only worsen in the years to come, with potentially devastating impacts to our communities, economy, public health, and the daily lives of all New Jerseyans. The Climate Change Resiliency Strategy outlines decisive and intentional action that will secure a more climate resilient future for New Jersey.”
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FROM THE WHITE HOUSE:
Press Briefing by White House COVID-19 Response Team and Public Health Officials
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MR. ZIENTS: Good morning, and thanks for joining us. I’ll turn to Drs. Walensky, Fauci, and Murthy in a moment.
First, I want to provide an update on our efforts to protect more Americans by getting more shots in arms, starting with vaccinating the unvaccinated.
We’ve made tremendous progress across the past nine months. As of today, 77 percent of eligible Americans — those 12 and older — have gotten at least their first shot.
And thanks to the President’s leadership on vaccination requirements, we continue to make important progress.
More than 3,500 organizations — from healthcare systems, to educational institutions, to state and local governments, to private businesses — have already stepped up to adopt vaccination requirements.
These vaccination requirements have increased vaccination rates by 20-plus percentage points, with organizations routinely seeing their share of fully vaccinated workers rise above 90 percent.
On Monday, Washington state announced that more than 90 percent of state employees are now fully vaccinated. That’s up from around 49 percent just five weeks ago, with more people getting vaccinated each day ahead of the state’s October 18th deadline.
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Issue or Concern ? Report it |
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp and the City of Plainfield are committed to making it as easy as possible to report concerns in our city. To that end, we've partnered with REPORT IT, which is now live in Plainfield and ready to be used as an important supplemental reporting tool.
Report it makes community reporting easier than ever! Residents and visitors can download the app by scanning the barcode above or by going to your phone's app store. Your reports will be submitted to the appropriate city department, and the city will work to resolve the issue or complaint.
You have the power to be the eyes and ears of our city! Your reports can greatly increase the quality of life in Plainfield. Let's work together to keep our city safe- If you see it, say it with Report It.
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As we navigate these uncertain times please know that everyone at City Hall is working to ensure that you are safe, secure and healthy. If you need anything addition please contact us at 908.753.3000
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Please have family and friends sign up to receive these important weekly updates. They can sign up by calling 908.753.3015 or emailing communications@plainfieldnj.gov
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One Plainfield. One Future |
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