[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 36 (Thursday, March 6, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E377-E378]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                BREAKING THE CYCLE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 5, 2003

  Mr. PALLONE.  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to an 
organization in my district that provides vital services to women and 
families that have been affected by domestic violence.
  180 Turning Lives Around, formerly the Women's Center of Monmouth 
County provides a safe and supportive haven, where women and children 
can begin to heal.
  180 Offices provide specialized counseling and programming for women 
affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. They staff outreach 
offices in towns that have the highest rates of domestic violence and 
sexual assaults in Monmouth County and some of the highest rates in the 
state, making these outreach programs vital to the communities they 
serve.
  180 provides programming for women of color, including a group-
counseling format called ``Makeda'' for Latina and African American 
women. In addition, 180 coordinates with local courts, police and 
prosecutor's offices to ensure that victims and family members receive 
access to appropriate services. These services include the domestic 
violence offender's intervention program ``Alternatives to Abuse,'' 
victim's counseling, art therapy for children exposed to domestic 
violence and other community services.

[[Page E378]]

  Reports indicate that since 180 has implemented this innovative 
multi-disciplinary approach, domestic violence police cases in towns 
throughout the county have dropped by nearly 35 percent, while 
recidivism rates for domestic violence offenders have dropped over 50 
percent. The programs provided by the 180 show concrete results in 
terms of reduced crime while providing a critical and invaluable 
resource to the community in general and women and minorities in 
particular.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join with me and continue to 
support 180 and her sister programs and women's centers throughout the 
nation. Domestic violence is a problem that affects all of society, not 
just women--and it is critical that we work together to break the cycle 
and put an end to domestic violence.

                          ____________________