Designates November 25 of each year as the "Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in New Jersey."
The adoption of AJR48 focuses on addressing and highlighting the significant issue of violence against women within New Jersey. This resolution is not merely symbolic but calls for public officials and citizens to engage in awareness activities that could lead to legislative or community actions aimed at reducing domestic violence incidents. The resolution's alignment with the UN's global campaign emphasizes the need for continued efforts to educate the public and create support systems for victims of violence.
Assembly Joint Resolution 48 (AJR48) designates November 25 of each year as the 'Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women' in New Jersey. This resolution aligns with the international observance established by the United Nations in 1999 to raise awareness about violence against women, promote gender equality, and encourage actions to combat gender-based violence. The resolution is led by Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez from District 19 (Middlesex), advocating for recognition and awareness of a critical issue affecting women in society.
Notably, the resolution outlines alarming statistics regarding domestic violence in New Jersey, citing that in 2016, 63,420 domestic violence offenses were reported, with women being the victims in 74% of these cases. The resolution also highlights the persistent gender inequalities contributing to such violence, indicating a systemic issue that requires organized campaigns to influence change. While AJR48 has broad support, discussions often pivot around the effectiveness of awareness campaigns versus the need for more substantial legislative measures that directly address social and legal frameworks surrounding domestic violence.