July 1, 2016
Trenton, NJ – New Jersey’s FY17 State Budget includes a total of $4.1M for sexual violence prevention and intervention services – full restoration of last year’s appropriation.
The appropriation supports New Jersey’s twenty-one county-based sexual violence service organizations, and the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NJCASA), as they provide crucial services throughout New Jersey, including counseling, crisis response, community outreach and prevention efforts, hotline support, etc.
“Over the last year, New Jersey’s sexual violence service organizations provided counseling to over 10,000 sexual assault survivors and their loved ones, and facilitated educational and awareness raising discussions reaching over 30,000 residents. We extend our appreciation to the State Legislature and Governor Christie and his administration for continuing to recognize the critical needs met by our providers,” said Patricia Teffenhart, executive director of the NJCASA.
Statistics indicate that 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men in the United States will be a victim of sexual assault in their lifetime. As the national discourse around the impact and prevalence of sexual violence increases, so has the understanding of the needs of sexual assault survivors and the complex ways in which lives are impacted by this trauma.
“Our organization is committed to providing critical sexual violence response services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This continuation of state funding will allow us to maintain the services necessary to support survivors in Essex County. We are proud to be a part of the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault and appreciate the role they play in amplifying our voice and articulating our needs,” said Christine Ferro-Saxon, executive director of Family Service League/SAVE of Essex County.
ABOUT NJCASA: NJCASA (www.njcasa.org) is the statewide technical assistance, and capacity building organization that represents New Jersey’s twenty-one county-based rape crisis centers, and the Rutgers University Office of Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance. NJCASA elevates the voice of sexual violence survivors and service providers by advocating for survivor-centered legislation, training allied professionals, and supporting statewide prevention strategies that work to address and defy the socio-cultural norms that permit and promote rape culture.
For additional information, contact Executive Director Patricia Teffenhart at pteffenhart@njcasa.org.