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The Trauma and Healing of Survivors

A blog post introducing trauma-related services and the long-term effects of trauma     Healing through Trauma-Responsive Counseling The COVID pandemic has significantly impacted mental and emotional health for young and old everywhere. The World Health Organization reports that COVID caused a 25% increase in anxiety and depression worldwide, increasing the needs for all types of mental health services. At Safe+Sound Somerset, we are seeing the impact of the past few years on the mental health of survivors of interpersonal...

Ask Ava, Episode 75: Updated! “How can I help my partner, who is struggling with their mental health?”

A short podcast episode geared towards teens and those who care about teens.      

A Story of Healing from PTSD

A blog post showing one family's journey from experiencing PTSD to healing while engaging in Safe+Sound services.     You’re sitting on the couch watching a scary movie. Your heart races and your palms sweat, so you look around and listen for potential danger. Your mind replays the images of what you’ve just watched. This a typical human response to fear, and it goes away after you change the channel. Imagine the movie is your real life. The memories of the...

Finding Hope & Connection

A blog post listing ways to recover and engage with others during difficult times.     Over the last month, we have been talking about allowing space for grief and loss related the COVID-19 pandemic this past year. At the same time, with more people vaccinated every day, we are also making space for hope and optimism that things will return to a “new normal” soon. This month, with a brighter future in view, we wanted to share with you research-based actions,...

Live at Lunch – Finding Hope in Times of Crisis

A video interview with Rev. Linda Owens about finding hope.    

Testimony at Senate Public Hearing on FY2022 State Budget

Speech by CEO Michele Boronkas on the increase in domestic abuse during COVID and the need for additional funds statewide.     Good Afternoon. Thank you for the opportunity to address the committee today. My name is Michele Boronkas and I am here on behalf of the thousands of survivors of domestic abuse in New Jersey. I serve as the Executive Director of Safe+Sound Somerset – designated lead organization for domestic violence in Somerset County. We provide trauma informed crisis...

Hope Growing Amidst Crises

A blog post encouraging folks to find hope within the COVID pandemic.     By Joelle Piercy, MSS, MLSP, LSW Community Outreach Coordinator As we approach the one-year mark of the pandemic and the first stay-at-home orders, we are also approaching the one-year marks of other moments in our lives: the last birthday party or play-date, the last time grandparents hugged a grandchild, the last time we saw our coworkers in person – the last time many of us felt...

SPEAK Outreach & Education

A blog post explaining how the Outreach department engages with the community.     Safe+Sound Somerset’s mission is to support survivors of domestic abuse and their families, and to engage the community to break the cycle of violence. Over recent months we have highlighted many of our client support services in our What to Expect series, portraying a survivor’s journey as they engage in specific programs. As we prepare for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in February 2021, we want to share...

Safe+Sound Somerset Welcomes 2021 with a Redefined Commitment and Reinforced Foundation

A message from CEO Michele Boronkas about moving into a new year amidst a pandemic, with hope.     December 2020 has arrived. It has come bearing the tread marks of a pandemic, racial reckoning, economic turmoil and unprecedented increases in the intensity and incidence of domestic violence. As a result, Safe + Sound Somerset’s 24/7 Call and Text Hotline experienced a 40% increase in calls since March, our trauma informed counseling program has been operating at maximum capacity with...

Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Public Health Crisis Within the Covid-19 Pandemic

A blog post that explains Adverse Childhood Experiences and childhood trauma's effects over a lifetime.     For nearly all of 2020, our news and social media has been dominated by the COVID-19 global pandemic. As of October 1, there were 34.1 million positive cases and just over 1 million deaths across all countries. There is no question this pandemic has had devastating consequences for many families. Yet, there is another public health crisis facing our nation’s youth that rarely...

Helping Children Who Have Experienced Trauma Learn During a Pandemic

A blog post with tips for working with/teaching youth in a trauma-informed way.     The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbating domestic violence nationwide. At Safe+Sound Somerset, we are seeing an increase in the severity and frequency of violence that our clients are experiencing. During the period of March through June, compared to 2019, we had a 35% increase in calls to our hotline, and a 50% increase in requests for crisis response services. With school closures and social distancing, children...

Safety Planning During COVID-19

A handout with specific tips for leaving an abusive relationship during the COVID pandemic.

Planificación de Seguridad Durante COVID-19

A handout with specific tips for leaving an abusive relationship during the COVID pandemic.

Ask Ava + COVID-19: “Mindfulness activities”

A short podcast episode geared towards teens and those who care about teens.      

Ask Ava + COVID-19: “Tips for schoolwork from home”

A short podcast episode geared towards teens and those who care about teens.      

Ask Ava + COVID-19: “How to help when a friend’s behavior changes”

A short podcast episode geared towards teens and those who care about teens.