The Millstone Times February 2021

180 Turning Lives Around, Inc. Helping Survivors of Domestic &Sexual Violence By, Pam T el

180 Turning Lives Around, Inc. offers hope and support and provides survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their families with free and confidential programs and resources to process and heal from their experiences. At hand, are caring and experienced counselors who will listen, discuss your options, and pro- vide resources to guide you through. You need to understand that you are not to blame for your experience of abuse and that you and your family deserve to live your life free of fear and full of promise. 180’s mission is to help create a pathway just for you to provide safety, healing, and independence.

Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used to gain or maintain power and control. However, spotting the signs of an unhealthy relationship can sometimes be difficult to see. Stress and anxiety may be found in any relationship, but unhealthy and abusive relationships are an entirely different dynamic. 180 counselors can discuss your particular experience and help you determine if you are experiencing domestic violence. Counselors can support you, provide advice, give you access to services, and help you develop a Safety Plan. (If you feel that you are a victim, read more about domestic violence at: https://180 NJ.org. If you are in immediate danger, contact 911). 180’s comprehensive support services are free and confidential, including 24/7 hotlines, counseling, legal advocacy, access to an emergency safe house, and art, play, drama & music therapy are available for children. Timeline of Accomplishments: 2019- Safe House offers pet-friendly housing to survivor families. 2017- Monmouth Family Justice Center (FJC) – 180 creates the county’s newest institution to offer victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault a one-stop location program to meet all of their immediate needs – reducing their trauma and helping victims and their children expedite the services with other agencies. LGBTQ outreach advocacy – 180 creates a program to provide outreach to the LGBTQ community, which becomes a model for the New Jersey Coalition against Sexual Assault and other state agencies. 2016- Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) – 180 wins federal funding to support victims of domestic violence/sexual assault who cannot afford legal sup- port on their own. Milestone - serving over 1MILLION victims and their loved ones through its extensive programs and services. Emergency Safe House – 180 opens its doors to the new ADA safe house, one of the largest in the State, which is also the largest homeless facility in the County. The flagship Emergency Shelter is nearly double the capacity of the former shelter and the only emergency shelter in the State able to house adult male victims and their families. 2015- Keeping Families Together (KFT) – a DCF pilot program awarded to 180 and then further extended as a key 180 service to support Monmouth County families. 2010- Domestic Violence Liaison (DVL) – connects the State’s Department of Children and Families with an experienced 180 Domestic Violence support person, closing the loop between the State and 180’s services.

46 The Millstone Times

February 2021