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2024-2026 Officers of the Board of Trustees

Somerville, NJ (February 8, 2024) – Safe+Sound Somerset (Safe+) is pleased to announce the 2024-2026 officers of the Board of Trustees as follows: Sheila Breeding, Chairperson; Lisa Barclay, Vice Chairperson; and Amy Karson, Treasurer. “Safe+Sound Somerset is so fortunate to have these talented women as its officers for 2024-2026. Their leadership, skills, and commitment to serving survivors and engaging the community in our mission to end domestic, dating, and sexual in our community will be critical to our continued success,”...

Feature In Rutgers School of Public Health’s 2022-23 Impact Report

To view the 2022-2023 Impact Report in its entirety, go to:

Deirdre Blaus Joins Board of Trustees

Safe+Sound Somerset is pleased to announce the appointment of, Deirdre Blaus, Vice President of Operations at RWJBarnabas Health – Somerset, to our Board of Trustees. “Our Board of Trustees is comprised of a dedicated team of community leaders’ commitment to serving survivors and engaging the community in our mission to end domestic, dating and sexual in our community,” said Michele E. Boronkas, President and CEO or Safe+Sound Somerset. “We are excited to channel Deirdre’s talent, expertise and energy into furthering...

Domestic Violence (DV) is an EVERYONE Issue

How DV Impacts the Survivor, Children, Family, Friends, the Workplace, and the Community Community members often tell us that they see domestic violence as a “private” or “family issue” that only affects the two people in the relationship. This is a myth - domestic violence in a relationship extends way beyond those in the relationship and has far reaching negative impacts. We invite you to join us in preventing violence by starting to talk about intimate partners violence and its effects...

Partnering with Faith Family Health Care for Survivors

Partnering with Faith Family Health Care for Survivors Safe+Sound Somerset’s Manager of Community Outreach & Education, Victor Peralta, spent two days in late July training the doctors, nurses and other healthcare and office staff at Family Faith Health Care (FFHC) in North Plainfield about Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and the evidence-based HARK screening tool for IPV. IPV can have short and long-term impacts on physical health outcomes, contributing to higher rates of depression and anxiety, suicide ideation, substance abuse, and high blood...

Celebrating Queer Love

Everyone deserves to be safe in a relationship. It’s not your fault if someone, like a partner, chooses to use your identity (including gender and/or sexual orientation) against you. Queer people’s rights should not be debatable. Safe+Sound Somerset stands strongly against stigma, violence, and abuse against all who identify as LGBTQIA+ and/or queer. We also stand firmly against the 490+ anti-LGBTQ+ bills currently being debated across the United States, according to the ACLU. Safe+Sound Somerset is here for you. ...

The “Manosphere” and its Impact on Violence Prevention

The “Manosphere,” a play on the word “blogosphere,” is a loose collection of online blogs, websites, social media threads, influencers, and vlogs “where users share their bigoted, sexist, and toxic view of society in general and masculinity and femininity in particular”.¹ A primary purpose of many of these groups being online harassment and glorifying violence against women. Violence prevention researchers identify four main subgroups within the manosphere: Men’s Rights Activists (MRAs) advocate for policy and systemic change that benefit men. They...

“What Happens When I Request Counseling Services?”

If you or your family members have experienced domestic or sexual violence, you can call or text our 24/7 hotline at 866-685-1122 to be referred for counseling at Safe+Sound Somerset. Our clinicians are committed to supporting you through the many challenges faced due to abuse. Our highly trained clinicians are licensed compassionate professionals ready to tailor counseling to best meet your needs. Services are offered both in person and virtually and in English and Spanish to increase accessibility for all....

“But What About False Reports?”

Article from Safe+Sound Somerset staff including the low stats about false reports, and how believing survivors is important to ending sexual and domestic violence. "If our community’s initial response to someone revealing sexual violence is a concern about it being a false report, we are dismissing the experiences of survivors and making it harder for them to seek support and justice. "  

What Happens When I Need Legal Help for Domestic or Sexual Violence?

Safe+Sound blog post about reaching out for legal help through our organization. How to contact us, what to expect when you speak with an advocate, and additional basic information about restraining orders.

We Believe Survivors!

Article outlining Safe+Sound Somerset's philosophy of believing survivors and encouraging everyone to join in taking action to end violence once and for all.

The Importance of Abortion Rights

A blog post in response to the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade     One of the most dangerous times for a victim of domestic violence is during pregnancy. Nearly 20% of individuals experience violence during pregnancy, with pregnant adolescents and those with unintended pregnancies at an increased risk (vawnet). For many, violence begins or escalates during this time and can turn lethal. In fact, homicide is the leading cause of death in pregnancy and the post-partum period –...

One More Amber Heard and Johnny Depp Think Piece

A blog post of S+SS's complete statement around the Amber Heard v. Johnny Depp case as it relates to domestic violence services     We didn’t want to write this piece. The Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard case has been publicly dissected to the point that everyone has their own opinion of who is right or wrong. Even domestic violence survivors are taking different views – many see themselves in Johnny Depp, and others see themselves in Amber Heard. At Safe+Sound Somerset,...

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...

How Media Literacy is Preventing Sexual Violence

A blog post explaining media literacy as a way of understanding the culture of sexual violence and supportive interactive techniques     Safe+Sound Somerset’s newest education program for high school students, Gender and Violence: How Media Shapes Our Culture, aims to prevent sexual abuse and assault among participants. This winter we partnered with Bound Brook High School to present this important 7-week program to their 131 seniors. What is media literacy? Media refers to the different ways that we communicate messages, information,...

The Role of Power & Control in Recent Allegations

A blog post explaining the dynamic that power & control has on individuals and their interactions with others     Recently our communities were shocked by the news of a lawsuit filed against law enforcement for alleged sexual assaults spanning many years. The horrifying public details of the allegations of sexual violence have spurred reactions of anger, confusion, and pain throughout our Somerset County community. Regardless of the outcomes, the traumatic impact of the allegations will have a lasting impact. ...

TDVAM – Talk About It!

A blog post informing of commonly asked questions and S+SS programs for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month     February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), a month dedicated to raising awareness about dating abuse, healthy relationships, and available services. In recognition of TDVAM, Safe+Sound Somerset is encouraging everyone to Talk About It! Teen dating violence is common: 1 in 3 teens will experience dating violence before high school graduation[1]. It’s also serious – teen dating violence victimization is associated with higher...

How We Talk About Domestic and Sexual Violence

A blog post that describes forms of trauma, trauma-specific services, and trauma-informed approaches recognized utilized by S+SS     Whenever Safe+Sound Somerset’s SPEAK Outreach and Prevention team hosts workshops, they spend a significant amount of time defining terms and laying a foundation for the language upon which to build learning and understanding taking place. In this article, we begin to define the terms we often use in our work with survivors of domestic and sexual violence. We find that “Getting...

Healing for Survivors of Sexual Assault Begins Here

A blog post introducing S+SS sexual violence resources and definitions     As of October 1st, 2021, Safe+Sound Somerset expanded our trauma-informed services to serve survivors of sexual violence in Somerset County, NJ. For over 40 years, Safe+Sound Somerset has provided a path to safety, hope, and healing for survivors of domestic violence, and now adults and children who have experienced sexual violence have access to the same high-quality services. Sexual Violence is an act of power and control that...

How Media Talks About Violence Impacts Survivors

A blog post that summaries positive and negative qualities of media exposure surrounding interpersonal violence for survivors.     The media is a huge entity – from news to social media outlets, television to radio stations. The impact of this is that when a topic or event involving violence is trending, it can feel like the violence is everywhere and that we can’t escape it. As a result, the way the media “talks about” or addresses violence has large consequences...

Sexual Assault in Domestic Abuse

A blog post informing about intimate partner sexual violence, with examples and definitions     For over 40 years, Safe+Sound Somerset has provided safety, hope, and healing for survivors of domestic abuse in Somerset County. As of October 1st, 2021, we expanded our mission to also serve survivors of sexual assault with the same high-quality intervention services – 24/7 helpline, Sexual Assault Response Team, advocacy, and counseling – that have been available to survivors of domestic abuse since 1978. We’d like to share with you what exactly...

Why Domestic Violence is a Community Issue

A blog post explaining how DV affects children, family and friends, the workplace, and the community.     Community members often tell us that they see domestic violence as a “private” or “family issue” that only affects the two people in the relationship. The reality is that domestic violence in a relationship affects the whole community. DV can have severe negative impacts on the target of abuse and the broader community, including children, other family members, friends, neighborhoods, and workplaces. The...

Warning Signs of Domestic Violence

A blog post providing a list of abuse warning signs, even when someone is "just joking."     When 1 in 3 women, 1 and 4 men, and 1 in 2 transgender and nonbinary people experience domestic violence in their lifetimes, it affects the whole community. As a result, we need a whole community response to stop abuse! Domestic abuse is a form of violence. It is a pattern of behaviors that one person uses to purposefully gain power and control over...

Safety Planning for Leaving a Relationship

A blog post explaining tips for safety planning and how it can help, when staying in, leaving, or after a relationship ends.     Many people in our community think that, as the lead agency for domestic violence response in Somerset County, we should encourage people to leave abusive relationships. It’s a common, valid response to violence. However, the issue of leaving is not that clear cut. We understand that every survivor’s journey is different, so we work with them to find safety no matter where they are in their journey. We don’t encourage anyone to stay...

Helping by Changing the Conversation

A blog post advocating a change from "Why don't you leave?" to "How can I support you?"     When family or friends call the Safe+Sound Somerset hotline or talk to us at community events, they often ask, “How they can I get my loved one or friend to leave their violent relationship?” They also wonder, “Why don’t they listen to me?” There are many reasons people don’t leave abusive relationships – love, finances, staying to keep children with both...

Power & Control in Domestic Abuse

A blog post explaining how one partner gaining and keeping power and control is the center of an abusive relationship, and alternatively, what healthy P/C looks like.     The ability to control our own lives through decisions is powerful, often defining who we are as individuals. For those experiencing domestic abuse, daily decisions may be taken away or limited by their abusive partner – taking away power and control, and impacting how survivors think of themselves. Domestic abuse is...

Rights & Responsibilities for Healthy Relationships

A blog post explaining how both people following rights and responsibilities makes an equal, healthy, safe relationship.     Boundaries are the limits and rules you have for your interactions with others, and how you want to be treated in a relationship. They can be boundaries regarding sexual or physical actions, emotions or thoughts, finances and materials, or even time. Our boundaries are tested many times by others, and it can be hard to assert your limits when someone is...

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...

The LGBTQ+ Community and Domestic Violence

A blog post showing how members of the LGBTQIA+ community may experience DV differently, plus the importance of understanding intersectionality.     During PRIDE Month, it’s important to recognize and spread information about how social issues such as domestic violence may affect individuals in the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning +) community differently. MYTH: Domestic violence doesn’t happen in the LGBTQ+ community. FACT: LGBTQ+ people experience equal or higher rates of domestic violence compared to heterosexual people. Source: 2010 National Intimate Partner...

What Happens When I’d Like to Volunteer

A blog post explaining how volunteers can get involved at Safe+Sound.   Volunteers play a critical role in helping Safe+Sound Somerset achieve its mission: to empower survivors of domestic abuse and to engage the community to break the cycle of violence. The business community, community groups, and individuals all make up our dedicated team of volunteers. From the student volunteer who organizes a gift card drive to help meet our shelter residents’ basic needs to the volunteer advocate supporting our...

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,...

What Happens When I Want to Give Help to Survivors?

A handout explaining different types of donations supporting survivors at Safe+Sound and the community.   Safe+Sound Somerset relies on the community – individuals, families, local businesses and civic groups – for the financial support to achieve our mission. Our donors make a real, lasting impact on the lives of survivors and their families who seek safety, hope and healing at Safe+Sound. Below is information on the types of donations we are currently accepting to allow the organization to achieve its...

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...

Happy Social Worker Appreciation Month!

A blog post celebrating social workers at Safe+Sound.     The common theme of purpose of Safe+Sound Somerset’s team of social workers is dedicating their lives to helping others. Social workers are present in times of crisis, helping people and communities overcome tragedies and challenges, and empowering people to live to their fullest potential. They advocate for positive changes that make our world a better place to live. Our professional values of service, social justice and personal dignity stand out...

Fulfilling My Lifelong Dream to be a Social Worker

A blog post about the journey to becoming a social worker.     By Laura Perry, MBA, MSW Adult and Child Counselor As T.S. Eliot says, “It’s never too late to become the person you were always meant to be.” I believe that I was always meant to be a social worker, and I am proud that pursued my dream to enter this professional as a second career later a little later in life. Although the route to becoming a social...

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...

Talking to Teens About Dating Violence and Healthy Relationships

A blog post listing tips for having continuous conversations with teens in your life about abuse.     Calling all parents, teachers, and professionals with teens in their lives! February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), so it’s the perfect time to strike up a conversation with your teen. Teens frequently ask us, “Why don’t adults take our romantic relationships seriously?” Just as teens are moving towards adulthood physically and intellectually, changing friendships and first romantic relationships can be important to...

10 Actions for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

A blog post listing 10 ways everyone can get involved to end teen dating violence.     Small Actions Lead to Big Change for #TDVAM2021 February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). You have the power to spread knowledge about this important issue and make a difference! We know that abuse and violence affect entire communities for generations. As a result, it’s everyone’s responsibility to promote healthy relationships, work to prevent abuse from happening in the first place, and...

What Happens When a Domestic Violence Liaison is Contacted?

A handout about what to expect when working with a DVL.     What is a Domestic Violence Liaison and how do they get involved? Domestic Violence Liaisons (DVL’s) are specially trained advocates employed by Safe+Sound Somerset and assigned to the Somerset and Hunterdon offices of New Jersey’s Department of Children Protection and Permanency (DCP&P), formerly known as the Division for Youth and Family Services (DYFS). In collaboration with DCP&P, the purpose of our DVL program is to increase the...

Teen Dating Abuse is Real and a Problem for 1 in 3 Teens

A blog post explaining how common and serious teen dating violence is, and how we can all support teen survivors.     Teen dating abuse is just as common and serious as abusive adult relationships. 1 in 3 teens will experience dating abuse before high school graduation (i), and girls ages 16-24 are almost three times more likely to experience violent relationships than women of any other age (ii). Both teen dating abuse and domestic abuse are defined by a...

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...

What Happens When I Need Housing Assistance?

A handout explaining the process of receiving housing assistance at Safe+Sound.   Your first step in getting connected to the Domestic Violence Housing First (DVHF) project is to reach out through Safe+Sound Somerset’s 24/7 Call and Text Hotline at 866.685.1122. Access to all of our services happens by taking this first step. The hotline advocate answering your call or text will collect your information and submit a referral to the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC), and any other services you wish...

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...

Helping Youth Heal From Trauma

A blog post about how trauma like witnessing DV affects youth, and how TF-CBT, a trauma treatment program, can help.     DJ, a local teen, witnessed domestic violence in his family and felt voiceless. There was no sense of safety to express himself. He didn’t think anyone would ever care about what he had to say. We often hear the belief that “domestic violence just affects the two people in the relationship – teens and children don’t see or...

What Happens When I Need Shelter in a Crisis?

A handout explaining what to expect and information about our safe house services.     Safe+Sound Somerset’s advocates, staff and volunteers with extensive training in domestic violence, answer hotline calls and respond to text messages 24 hours a day, seven days a week including weekends and holidays. These skilled and experienced advocates are who a survivor will reach out to if they need emergency shelter because they are experiencing domestic violence. They are voices of hope who are ready, willing...

What To Expect: When I Need Shelter In A Crisis

A blog post explaining Safe+Sound's emergency safe house and housing services.     Safe+Sound Somerset’s advocates, staff and volunteers with extensive training in domestic violence, answer hotline calls and respond to text messages 24 hours a day, seven days a week including weekends and holidays. These skilled and experienced advocates are who a survivor will reach out to if they need emergency shelter because they are experiencing domestic violence. They are voices of hope who are ready, willing and able...

Finding Light in the Hopelessness of Domestic Violence

A blog post looking at the side of healing and hope.     By Joelle Piercy, MSS, MLSP, LSW Community Outreach Coordinator October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It is a time of remembrance, of hope and healing, and a call to action. During this month we are also acutely aware of the deep costs of domestic violence on individuals, families, and our whole society. At our annual Candlelight Vigil, we read aloud the names of people who have died in Somerset...

Domestic Violence Housing First Program Helping Survivors

A blog post explaining how the Housing First program works with survivors.     The increase in incidents of domestic violence during the coronavirus pandemic is well documented and widely reported. Even before the pandemic hit, domestic violence survivors in New Jersey long faced a critical need for safe housing. Now, according to a new Rutgers study published in the journal Violence Against Women, COVID-19 has compounded this need leaving many survivors of domestic violence choosing between feeding their children, safe housing, transportation...

Anti-Racism Update at Safe+Sound Somerset

A blog post sharing Safe+Sound's 2020 antiracism initiatives and actions.     Safe+Sound Somerset is committed to anti-racism and stands with the black community. Our efforts to foster a culture of acceptance in our society include first recognizing that if we are not working to fight racism, then we are complicit in the oppressive systems in place. We are not only committed to declaring our support of anti-racist movements, but to building an organizational culture that exemplifies one of inclusion,...

What Happens When I Request Counseling Services?

A handout explaining the process of engaging with counseling services at Safe+Sound, plus different types of counseling we offer.     First, there are several ways to be referred for counseling at Safe+Sound Somerset. If you or your family members have experienced domestic abuse, you can call or text our 24/7 hotline at 866-685-1122 to be referred for counseling. If you are a client of S+SS in another program, you can also be referred for counseling by the staff with whom you...