RELEASE : October 3, 2001

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TRENTON—Charles Venti, director of the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS), urged New Jersey
residents recently to remember the strong connection between child abuse and domestic violence.

“If there’s domestic violence in the home, many times children either witness it or become a victim themselves,”
said Venti. “A person who abuses a spouse is often likely to abuse a child as well.”

In New Jersey, there are over 80,000 domestic violence offenses reported each year. Children are victims or
witness 35 percent of these offenses according to the New Jersey State Police’s 1999 Uniform Crime Report.

As the state’s child protection agency and lead provider of domestic violence services, DYFS is observing
October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month through a series of events and activities.

According to Venti, DYFS responds to domestic violence by ensuring proper protection, support and
prevention services are available throughout the state. This includes 24-hour emergency shelter services in each
county for victims and their children.

DYFS funds $9.8 million each year in domestic violence services including 24-hour hotline, emergency response
and shelter entry; legal, financial and housing advocacy; counseling for victims, children and abusers; community
networking; community education and awareness; and children’s services.

DYFS’ domestic violence efforts are supported through the New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women
(NJCBW), a statewide non-profit organization representing domestic violence programs in New Jersey. Through
NJCBW, the division provides technical assistance and training to community service providers along with
information and referral services.

Each year DYFS-funded domestic violence programs provide 4,000 women and children with shelter and over
15,000 receive counseling and support services. Approximately 20,000 domestic violence victims also receive
legal advocacy services with DYFS programs responding to over 123,000 hotline calls for help.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-572-7233.

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