(WHITE TWP., April 22, 2009) -- The Warren County Board of Chosen Freeholders is supporting victims of crime and abuse with two proclamations to bring attention to their situation: “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week” and “Denim Day.”

“Years ago, the stigma attached to certain types of crimes meant these issues were basically kept behind a dark door and folks didn’t know about it,” said Freeholder Director Richard D. Gardner. “Today, it is a blessing that we have so many people involved to help victims of sexual assault and domestic violence to get through a very tough time.”

The week of April 26-May 2, 2009 was proclaimed to be National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, marking the 25th anniversary of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) passed by Congress in 1984.

“Many times, there’s so much focus on the perpetrator of a crime rather than the victim,” said Freeholder Everett A. Chamberlain said.  “This is a way to realize and recognize the trauma that individuals and their families go through when they’re a victim.”

“It’s great that we have people who recognize the victims and help them through these times,” Freeholder Angelo Accetturo added. “It’s nice to know that there are people and organizations out there to help them.”

Warren County Prosecutor Thomas S. Ferguson accepted the proclamation along with Victim/Witness Coordinator Lori Craig. “Without the support of the Prosecutor, Assistant Prosecutors and the philosophy of the Prosecutor’s Office – that victims are very important and their input means something to the cases – I couldn’t do my job,” said Craig, who went on to thank her own staff members for their hard work and the Freeholders for their support.

April 28 was decreed “Denim Day,” a commemoration inspired by a controversial 1992 Italian appellate court decision in which a conviction of forcible rape was overturned due to the victim’s attire of tight jeans. In Warren County, the day will be marked by businesses, students, churches and individuals holding rallies, posting fliers, raising funds and wearing denim in support of victims of domestic violence or sexual assault.

Pam Farago, Executive Director of the Warren County Domestic Abuse Sexual Assault Crisis Center (DASACC), thanked the Freeholders and the Department of Human Services for the funding they continue to provide to the agency. It “allows my staff to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault,” she said.

“Sexual abuse happens more than we’d like to think,” said Accetturo, adding that education is key to raise awareness and combat the problem. “It’s an unfortunate fact of life and I think it’s important to have it recognized through Denim Day,” he said.

Domestic abuse and sexual assaults signify “degradation to all society. We have to stay vigilant on this matter,” said Gardner.

“If we can educate people to become aware of ways to prevent (sexual and domestic violence) and know when they’re in need of help – and that there are resources out there for victims of these crimes – I think we’ll be a better society,” said Chamberlain. “I thank all the people that are involved in the program for all that they do.”

To learn more about Denim Day, visit the DASACC website at www.besafewc.org. Information about the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office and its Victim/Witness Unit is available at www.wcpo-nj.us.

WHEREAS, more than 33 million Americans are victims of crime each year;

WHEREAS, victims may suffer emotional, physical, psychological and financial harm as a result of crime;

WHEREAS, victim assistance and compensation programs across the country provide vital and supportive services for victims to help cope with the impact of crime;

WHEREAS, the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), passed by Congress in 1984, affirmed a national commitment to helping victims rebuild their lives by establishing the Crime Victims Fund, a major source of funding for services and compensation to victims of crime throughout the United States.

WHEREAS, the fund comprises fines and penalties levied on offenders and affirms the principle that those who commit crimes should be held accountable for their actions and supports more than 4,400 state and local victim assistance programs, including sexual assault and domestic violence programs, victim assistants in offices and other direct service providers that help millions of victims every year;

WHEREAS, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 26-May 2, 2009 provides an opportunity for our country to recognize the Victims of Crime Act as a bedrock of support for victim services and to reaffirm our nation’s commitment to addressing the needs of victims of crime; and

WHEREAS, the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office is joining forces with victim service programs, law enforcement, criminal justice officials and concerned citizens throughout Warren County, New Jersey and America to observe the 25th anniversary of VOCA during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Warren County Board of Chosen Freeholders do hereby proclaim the week of April 26-May 2, 2009 as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

Richard D. Gardner, Director
Everett A. Chamberlain, Deputy Director
Angelo Accetturo, Freeholder

WHEREAS, the mission of the Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center is to support and empower those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault and to develop community awareness that supports this perspective; and

WHEREAS, the Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Warren County provides services to all who identify themselves as victims of domestic violence or sexual assault; and

WHEREAS, this year, the Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Warren County is organizing “Denim Day in New Jersey” to increase awareness and knowledge in Warren County; and

WHEREAS, on Tuesday, April 28, 2009, businesses, students, churches and individuals will be holding rallies, posting fliers, raising funds and wearing denim in support of this effort.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Warren County Board of Chosen Freeholders urge our citizens to provide their support to help eliminate all forms of sexual violence through education, awareness and community action.

Richard D. Gardner, Director
Everett A. Chamberlain, Deputy Director
Angelo Accetturo, Freeholder