Domestic violence responders thanked for service to towns
BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer

JACKSON - The Jackson and Plumsted Domestic Violence Response Team has been honored for its work and its efforts to address domestic violence.

"Domestic violence is a great evil and an offense against human dignity that shatters lives and robs children of their innocence," Councilwoman Emily Ingram said at the Oct. 23 meeting of the Township Council. "When domestic violence occurs, homes are transformed into places of danger and despair."

Ingram said there has been progress made over the past decade in addressing this issue and nationally domestic violence has declined by an estimated 59 percent, but she said there is still much work to be done.

"To increase access to comprehensive support and services for victims of domestic violence, the federal government in 2003 announced the creation of the Family Justice Center Initiative," Ingram said. "These centers bring together police officers, attorneys, counselors, doctors, victims' advocates, chaplains and others so that domestic violence victims can more easily find the help and support they need."

The councilwoman said there are faithbased organizations and community organizations which are making contributions and efforts to combat domestic violence as well.

Ingram said the council appreciates the work of those people who are involved in helping to end domestic violence in Jackson and Plumsted.

Receiving certificates of appreciation were Jackson Police Department Sgt. Russ Scialpi, Plumsted Police Department Cpl. Robert Zack, Sandee Miller, Phyllis Lewis, Patricia Dunkin, Anne Zappia, Robin Witkowski, Ronnie Schubert, Kathleen Montegary and Donna Bussiculo.

"When there is a (domestic) confrontation, we respond," Bussiculo said. "We work with police officers to get shelter, a restraining order and get (the victim) away from the abuser."

Bussiculo said the response team tries to get the word out to anyone who needs its assistance.

"They can call police headquarters (732-928-1111) and ask for one of us and we will respond at any time, day or night," she said.

Mayor Mark Seda said, "When you do have an issue of domestic violence, they go out in teams and assess the situation. They make sure you get the help you need, Donna has been a team member for about 10 years. You don't see it plastered all over the newspapers. You don't see all the domestic violence that does take place, but it does happen here in Jackson."