September 30, 2003
West
Windsor, NJ — Mercer County Prosecutor Joseph L. Bocchini proclaimed October
to be Anti-Violence Month during a special luncheon ceremony today at the Boat
Marina in Mercer County Park.
Events
are scheduled throughout the month 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.
Prosecutor
Bocchini stated that the purpose of Anti-Violence Month is to focus public
awareness on the overall impact of violence on the community and to develop
effective ways to reduce it. All forms of violence are openly addressed
including domestic violence, rape, violence against senior citizens, street
crime, arson, child abuse, drug-related and alcohol-related violence and crime
as well as violence in schools and the workplace.
The
month-long program has become a long-standing tradition and broadened every year
to include expanding participation by community-based groups, civic
associations, educational groups, clergy and law enforcement agencies.
In
March, the prosecutor’s office will host the 4th Annual Mercer County
Prosecutor’s Anti-Violence Volleyball Tournament. During the course of the tournament, middle school students
from across Mercer County interact with other students and members of the
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 finals
will be held at Rider University.
The
following is a summary of planned activities for the month of October:
·
Every
Tuesday, from 7 – 7:30 p.m., Prosecutor Bocchini and staff members will be
featured on “Violence Serves No Purpose” shows on WIMG/WZBN.
Topics will include the role of the prosecutor’s office within the
community, domestic violence laws and gun violence.
·
Mentoring
program at Anchor House. Members of
the prosecutor’s staff will discuss life choices and skills with at risk
teens.
·
“Buddy
Program.” Every Tuesday and
Thursday, students from area high schools will spend the day with an assistant
prosecutor to experience first-hand how the criminal justice system works.
·
Mentoring
sessions with Trenton middle school students in concert with the Trenton Police
Department.
·
“Tie
One On” with MADD and the Mercer County Chiefs of Police Association to focus
attention on the dangers of drunk driving.
·
“Project
Pride” will be presented to county high school students.
The program, created by the state Department of Corrections, features
inmates who will discuss prison life and the importance of making the right
decisions when young with students.
·
October
15, the 5th Annual Education and Law Enforcement Convocation will be
held at the New Jersey Hospital Association.
This year’s theme is “Back to Basics.”
·
October
19 through 25, “A Day Without Gun Violence,” sponsored by the Trenton YWCA
and the Mercer County Chapter of the Million Mom March.
·
October
24, a gang awareness presentation for parents at Grice Middle School, sponsored
by the prosecutor’s office, the state Juvenile Justice Commission and the
Grice PTA.
·
October
30, Haunted Halloween at the West Ward Recreation Center, 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 “Unity in Our Community – Working
Together to Stop the Violence.” Students
should submit entries using designs and slogans to illustrate the theme.
The winning designs will be printed in a 2004 calendar that will be
distributed in January.
For additional information, please contact Robert VanHise, director of the Community Outreach Unit, at (609) 989-6313.