EDISON – On Tuesday, August 3, 2010, Senate Majority Leader Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex) issued the following statement commending the Division on Women for the invaluable services it provides to the women of the state of New Jersey. She further urged the Governor to maintain the funding, staff, and services currently provided by the Division.
“Since 1974, the New Jersey Division on Women (DOW) has provided services that meet the unique needs of the women in our state. From preventing violence against women, offering employment counseling and job training, and supporting women that have been victims of domestic and sexual violence, this pioneering agency has been advocating for women’s rights and opportunities since its inception.
“With the devastating cuts to the family planning centers in New Jersey, many women will be in search of alternative means of obtaining healthcare services and information. The utilization of the Division as a clearinghouse of information for women will likely intensify as the pain of the funding cuts settle.
“The DOW’s research and policy analysis has fostered public awareness and discussion of the critical issues that affect the lives of women and their families. This has in turn led to a better understanding of public policy in our state, and has contributed to the progression of women’s rights and advocacy.
“As we approach the 90th Anniversary of Women’s Equality Day on August 25th, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Division for empowering women for the last thirty-six years. And I urge the Governor to ensure that the Division remains intact so that it can continue its invaluable work for our state.”
The Division on Women is located in the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and operates the following programs: the Advisory Council on Domestic Violence, the Displaced Homemaker Centers, the Governor’s Advisory Council Against Sexual Violence, the Hispanic Women Demonstration Resource Centers, the Job Training Centers for Urban Women, the New Jersey Advisory Commission on the State of Women, the New Jersey Micro-business Credit Program, the New Jersey Domestic Violence Fatality and Near Fatality Review Board, the New Jersey Women County Program, the New Jersey Women’s Reentry and Employment Partnership, the Rape Care and Prevention Program, the Sexual Violence Prevention Program, the Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline, the Women’s Referral Central Hotline, and the Women’s Shelter Grants Program.