[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 28, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E474]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    WOMEN'S CENTER OF MONMOUTH COUNTY CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF SERVICE

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                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 28, 2001

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Women's 
Center of Monmouth County's 25th Anniversary. Over the last quarter of 
a century, the Women's Center of Monmouth County (WCMC) has made a 
tremendous difference in the lives of women and their families 
throughout Monmouth County.
  The WCMC is a New Jersey-based private, non-profit organization 
dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault. Since its 
inception in 1976, the Center has helped more than 100,000 women, 
children and men gain control of their lives and stop the violence. 
Through the help of individuals, government agencies, small businesses 
and corporate partners, the WCMC has had an open door to a safe shelter 
and critical services for victims of domestic violence and sexual 
assault.
  According to the 1999 New Jersey Crime Clock, a rape occurs every six 
hours in New Jersey. In Monmouth County, 70 rapes and 12 sexual 
assaults were reported in 1999. In fiscal Year 2000, the WCMC Rape Care 
program received 1,201 calls, e-mails or walk-ins from women seeking 
assistance. A total of 298 survivors and their family members were 
accompanied to medical, legal and law enforcement agencies.
  Services offered by the WCMC include a hotline, emergency shelter, 
transitional housing, counseling, crisis intervention, advocacy, 
education and prevention that help end the cycle of domestic violence 
and abuse. The Center works to mobilize concerned individuals, 
organizations, and civic and religious groups to end violence and abuse 
against women and children through public education, public policy 
reforms, and training of allied professionals. The Center also provides 
a liaison program to family and municipal courts and an art therapy 
program for children and non-offending, parents.
  The WCMC has received three national awards: 1998 United States Crime 
Victim's Rights Service Award for Karen Wengret; the 1998 United States 
Sunshine Peace Award for Domestic Violence Administration and the 1999 
American Art Therapy Award for Outstanding Programming for their 
Amanda's Easel program. The Center has also received numerous accolades 
from New Jersey and local organizations for community service and 
leadership.
  For the past 25 years, the Women's Center of Monmouth County has 
provided a much-needed service for families affected by domestic 
violence or sexual assault. I urge all my colleagues to join me today 
in recognizing WCMC's dedication to ending domestic violence and sexual 
assault.




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