The Northern NJ council had a very busy October. The council participated in a multi-location virtual educational event, Weathering the Storm, on Wednesday, October, 20th, 2021.
Council Vice-Chair Erica Sherman (GAF) organized our participation and members Lynn Picone (GAF), Karen Straub (GAF), Christine Mockenhaupt (SRS), Wendy Lucas (PB Roofing), and Veronica Chwieroth (GAF) met at GAF’s CARE training center. With the help of GAF CARE Trainers including; Mitos Fuentes, Danny Caivano, Guaillaume Bailly we flashed a plumbing vent on a steep slope shingle roof.
Many thanks to the National Education Committee and our trainers for orchestrating this complex multi-council, multi-installation virtual event.
In our regular monthly meeting on October 25th, the council took on a serious matter in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. While domestic violence doesn’t discriminate based on age, gender or socioeconomics, it is a topic all too familiar to women. Whether it comes to our attention through popular TV shows like Netflix’s series The Maid or we listen to the horrible journey of one victim Gabby Petito on the news, domestic violence destroys lives.
Guest speaker, Julye Myner, Ph.D. from the Center for Hope and Safety, shared information on the impact of domestic violence in America, best practice in recognizing victims amongst us, and shared information on the best ways to be allies and help those who need help getting out safely.
Some Key Takeaways…
● Domestic Violence is experienced in many ways; physical, emotional, and financial. Abusers use many methods to isolate and control victims.
● 20 people a minute experience domestic violence, equating to 10 million victims annually. 23% of women and 14% of men experience severe physical violence in their lifetimes.
● To get out safely, victims should document as much as they can from dates of abuse to important personal and financial information. Allies can help document in discreet ways so that abusers are not aware of the information being gathered.
● And carefully plan an exit strategy. If abusers become aware of plans to leave, the potential for serious harm increases exponentially for the victim and her allies.
● DV National Hotline
○ 1.800.799.SAFE (7233), 1.800.787-3224 (TTY), thehotline.org (Live Chat)
The council continues to support the needs of the shelter in its 4th annual Season of Gratitude collections with donations collected at GAF and PB Roofing. The session was recorded, please contact the council if you would like access to the program. Next month a virtual session, Financial Security – Tips for Women, November 12th @12:00 p.m. eastern