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Community Corner

5k Walk at Williams Park Stands Up to Domestic Violence

To raise awareness about a serious issue, the Woodbridge Township Domestic Violence Response Team held its fourth annual 5K walk at Alvin P. Williams Memorial Park.

Scattered about Alvin P. Memorial Park were red wooden silhouette cut-outs. Each silhouette had a heart glued to the chest area. On each heart was the name, age, and picture of a victim of domestic violence who had been murdered by their abusive partner. The details of the atrocious crime were described on the heart, leaving every reader shocked, upset, and inspired to do something to bring an end to domestic violence.

That was the setting for the 4th annual 5k walk to end domestic violence, a fundraiser for the Woodbridge Township Domestic Violence Response Team which, since 1992, has worked to raise awareness and bring visibility to a crime that causes many women to suffer in silence. 

In addition to the dedicated and responsive police force, the team, which is self supporting, also regularly holds fundraisers such as walks, bake sales, and breakfasts. Profits from each fundraiser go to help develop programs to promote awareness and increase response methods. 

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Kathy McGrath, treasurer for the response team, said that much of their recent awareness campaign has been focused on high school students, teen-dating, and bullying. "Violence starts at home, when the kids are young there is a lot they see and hear," she said. 

Every year, millions of women across the nation call a hotline or crisis center to seek help from an abusive partner. Many organizations and clinics have been created to help women break away from this traumatic cycle of silence and violence. Since its beginnings, the Woodbridge team has grown to become the largest response team in Middlesex County. With the help of the Woodbridge Police Dept., the team has been effectively responding to crisis calls from victims in Woodbridge.

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The dedicated volunteer force behind the response team is the main reason for its continued success. The Woodbridge Response Team has 35 active volunteers, each are very passionate about making a difference. McGrath emphasized the familial bond that all of the volunteers share amongst one another. Volunteer Gail Johnson has a personal story on her involvement with the team. "I was a victim and now I'm a survivor," said Johnson, who has been volunteering with the team for the past three years. "I have since moved on and am happily married but I wanted to give back to those who need help," said Johnson.

At this year's 5K walk, Mayor John McCormac said, "According to the statistics, Woodbridge Township has the highest incidents of domestic violence in Middlesex County, but that's because victims who call are comfortable with the response team." Many incidents of domestic violence go unreported, the victims remain silent because they often feel that there is nowhere to turn and no way out of the relationship. However, with an effective response team, victims in Woodbridge feel that there is a place that they could turn and so although the statistics of domestic violence may be high, that just means cases are being reported and victims are being helped, McCormac explained.

Coordinator Linda Squillace has been an important asset to the response team for the past 18 years. When asked about what got her inspired to join the team back in 1992, Squillace responded, "I just didn't understand why an abused woman didn't just get up and leave." In her quest to find out more about domestic violence, Squillance discovered that there is so much people don't understand about the issue. "It's something that continues generation to generation, it's a cycle and awareness is such a big component to break the tide," Squillace said.

Before the start of the 5K walk, Brenda Morrie, a victim and survivor of domestic violence, came to the stage to say a few words. Her moving testimony made everyone realize how much of a difference their involvement can make.

"My children and I will never be the same. It has affected our ability to trust and to get close to others," said Brenda Morrie about the abuse she suffered at the hands of her ex-husband. Her daughter stood by her side as she gave her testimony and thanked the response team for coming at the right time.

Domestic violence cuts across racial, religious, economic, and even gender boundaries. It could affect anyone, and the victim needs a support system they can turn to. "It is rewarding to be a part of this team and if we help someone leave an abuser, it's like saving a life, and that's all we need," said McGrath.

In addition to the strong and helpful response team, a sister organization called "The Next Step" was launched three years ago. "We saw a need for an organization that would facilitate self-help groups for victims," said Squillace.

The facilitators are all volunteers and must complete a 40 hour domestic violence facilitator training program and an additional 2 facilitator courses. It's important that victims don't go back to their abusers. "Safety and respect are stripped away when you go back to the hands of an abuser," said Squillace.

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