Ocean Partnership for Children to host its 4th Annual Candlelight Vigil

TOMS RIVER, N.J. - Oct. 10, 2023 - PRLog -- Join Ocean Partnership for Children (OPC) for its 4th Annual Candlelight Vigil in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month on Thursday, October 12th at 6pm outside the OPC offices at 36 Washington Street in Toms River. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be transitioned indoors.

"This Candlelight Vigil serves as an opportunity for the community to come together to honor the resilience and strength of all those affected by domestic violence while remembering those who tragically lost their lives due to such incidents," said Mary Jo Buchanan, Executive Director of OPC. "We invite everyone, regardless of their background, to join us for this important gathering."

Domestic violence remains a pervasive issues in the United States with alarming statistics highlighting its impact on individuals and families nationwide. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV):

• On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States, equating to more than 10 million victims each year.
• One in three women and one in four men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.
• Domestic violence is a leading cause of injury to women, more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.

In New Jersey, the statistics are equally concerning:

• In 2020, the NJ State Police reported over 62,000 domestic violence offenses, highlighting the prevalence of this issue within the state.
• Approximately 42 percent of all homicides in NJ are related to domestic violence, emphasizing the deadly consequences that can result from abusive relationships.

Many of the youth and families that OPC serves are impacted by domestic violence in some way. "We estimate that approximately 20 percent of our youth experience some form of domestic violence," added Buchanan. "That's why we hold the Domestic Violence Vigil each year to call attention to the issue and recognize all those who have been impacted."

To learn more about Ocean Partnership for Children, visit OceanPartnership.org.

About Ocean Partnership for Children Inc.
Founded in 2005, Ocean Partnership for Children is Ocean County's Care Management Organization. Its mission is to enhance the well being of youth and their families through natural and community supports. OPC provides care coordination services for Ocean County youth up the age of 21 years who have mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental challenges. OPC strives to keep children and adolescents at home, in school, and in the community by connecting them to resources that meet their unique needs and help them achieve their goals.
To learn more, visit https://www.oceanpartnership.org or www.oceanresourcenet.org.