Fighting Domestic Violence

On Friday, September 17, the Executive Director of Shelter Our Sisters, Elaine Meyerson spoke to the club about the victims of domestic violence in Bergen County.  Since 1976, Shelter Our Sisters has been a refuge to those who have had to contend with domestic violence. Over the past many years this non-profit agency has dedicated itself to assisting victims, and their children, by turning fear into safety, helplessness into strength, and isolation into hope.Shelter Our Sisters was founded to try to eliminate abuse and to help those who had become victims of it. Most of their $2.5 million budget comes from donations although they also get state and federal funding.

Not all those who get abused are women; between 5-15% are men.  Elaine pointed out that a huge number of boys who are abused grow up to become abusers themselves.  The shelter has 36 beds, a hot line, bilingual workers and psychological help.  The organization also provides a training program and an ESL (English as a Second Language) program.

Elaine concluded her remarks by reminding us that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you’d like to find out more about SOS, go to their website at www.shelteroursisters.org .