September 30, 2002
Trenton, N.J.—Breaking from a March tradition, Mercer County Prosecutor Daniel Giaquinto declared October as Anti-Violence Month in Mercer County during a special ceremony held at the Mercer County Marina, West Windsor Township.
Events
are scheduled throughout the month of October to heighten public awareness about
the problem of violence and to encourage the community, especially youth, to
solve problems and resolve conflict without resorting to violence.
According
to Prosecutor Giaquinto, the purpose of Anti-Violence Month is to focus public
awareness on the overall impact of violence on the community and to develop
effective strategies to reduce violence. All
forms of violence are openly discussed including domestic violence, sexual
assault, violence against senior citizens, street crime, arson; child abuse,
drug and alcohol related violence and crime as well as violence in the schools
and the workplace.
“As
always, we would rather prevent crime than prosecute it”, Giaquinto said.
The
Prosecutor indicated that Anti-Violence Month has been permanently “moved”
from its traditional March to October beginning in October 2002.
The move was precipitated by the enactment of Public
Law 2001, chapter 298 that created “School Violence Awareness Week”
which will be observed during the week of October 21. The public law requires school districts to observe School
Violence Week by organizing activities to prevent school violence including age
appropriate opportunities for student discussion on conflict resolution, student
diversity and tolerance.
“Anti-Violence
Month and School Violence Awareness Week strive to accomplish the same
result—reducing the incidents of violence in our schools and communities.
It is only fitting that they coincide,” Giaquinto said.
The
month-long program has become a long-standing tradition in the Mercer County
Prosecutor’s Office and has expanded each year to include participation by
community-based groups, civic associations, educational groups, clergy and law
enforcement. Activities planned for
Anti-Violence Month include the Trenton Hoop Shoot, a basketball foul shooting
contest sponsored by the Trenton Police Department and the prosecutor’s office
that encourages kids to “Shoot Hoops, Not Guns” to be held on October 19.
The
prosecutor’s office will also host the 3rd Annual Mercer County
Prosecutor’s Anti-Violence Month Volleyball Tournament, which will be held on
Monday, October 28 at the Mercer Jr./Sr. High School.
During the course of the tournament, middle school students from across
Mercer County interact with other students and members of the Mercer County
Prosecutor’s Office. There will
be messages of teamwork, cooperation, mediation, resolving disputes through
peaceful means, strong anti-drug and alcohol messages as well as stressing the
importance of education.
The
following is a summary of planned activities:
Ø
October 1, 8, 15, 22,
and 29 from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Prosecutor Giaquinto and members of his
staff be featured on “Violence Serves No Purpose” shows on WIMG/WZBN.
Topics will include the role of the prosecutor’s office in the
community, domestic violence laws and gun violence.
Ø
October 2, 16 and 30,
mentoring program at Anchor House. Members
of the prosecutor’s staff will discuss lie choices and skills with at risk
teens.
Ø
October 3, 17, 22 and
29, students from area high schools will spend the day with an assistant
prosecutor to experience first-hand how the criminal justice system works.
Ø
October 6 from 12
p.m. to 5 p.m., Lawrence Community Day.
Ø
October 10 and 24,
“rap sessions” with Trenton middle school students in concert with the
Trenton Police Department.
Ø
October 10 at 9:00
a.m., “Tie One On” with MADD and the Mercer County Chiefs of Police
Association to focus attention on the dangers of drunk driving.
Ø
October 25, “Break
the Silence, Stop the Violence” program at Kreps School and “A Day Without
Gun Violence” sponsored by the Trenton YWCA and the Mercer County Chapter of
the Million Mom March.
Ø
October 27 at 11:00
a.m., Rape and Violence Eradication Walk (RAVE).
Ø October 30 at 5:00 p.m., Haunted Halloween at Cadwalader Park sponsored by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and the Trenton Weed and Seed Program. This activity provides a peaceful and safe alternative to mischief night for children participating in the Weed and Seed program.
The prosecutor’s office will also sponsor a calendar art contest for elementary school students throughout Mercer County. This year’s theme is “Keeping Our Communities Safe-Say No to Drugs, Guns and Strangers”. Students should submit entries using designs and slogans to illustrate the theme. The winning designs will be printed in a 2003 calendar which will be distributed in January.
“We have a busy month with activities designed to call attention to the growing threat of violence. The partnerships we have forged with the education community and community organizations are critical to spread our anti-violence message not only during October but also year-round through the “Life is Beautiful” campaign, said Giaquinto.
For additional information, please contact Prosecutor’s Agent Robert VanHise, Director of Community Outreach at (609) 989-6313.