Designates October of each year as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month."
Impact
The resolution reflects a commitment to increasing awareness and understanding of domestic violence, which can lead to significant psychological and physical harm for victims. AJR14 emphasizes the need for public discussions surrounding this severe problem, acknowledging the broad spectrum of individuals affected regardless of age, race, or economic status. The designation of a specific month for awareness activities encourages communities to engage in preventive measures, education, and support for affected individuals.
Summary
Assembly Joint Resolution No. 14 (AJR14) seeks to designate October of each year as 'Domestic Violence Awareness Month' in New Jersey. This resolution aims to highlight the pervasive issue of domestic violence across the state, where it is reported that over a million women and hundreds of thousands of men experience domestic violence in the United States every year. Notably, the 2017 Annual Report on Domestic Violence from the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts indicated that more than 40,000 domestic violence complaints were filed in the state that year alone.
Contention
While AJR14 is primarily a resolution and does not amend existing laws, its passage could potentially influence the legislative landscape related to domestic violence in New Jersey. The recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month serves not only to bring visibility to the issue but may also press for further legislative actions that address prevention and support systems for victims. There may be points of contention surrounding how resources are allocated for awareness campaigns and what societal changes will accompany this heightened visibility.