MURPHY ADMINISTRATION SIGNS MOU WITH MEXICAN CONSULATES

Collaborative effort to help serve survivors of intimate partner violence

TRENTON – The Commissioner and staff from the Department of Children and Families’ (DCF) Division on Women this week signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Mexican Consulates of New York and Philadelphia to develop collaboration opportunities related to the prevention of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and sexual assaults within the Mexican and Mexican-American communities.

“This agreement reflects DCF’s commitment to racial equity and cultural competence, creating an opportunity to learn from, and to better serve, New Jersey’s Mexican community,” said DCF Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer. “In order to effectively serve the victims and prevent domestic violence and sexual assault, we need to be mindful of the impact that culture and national origin can have, particularly on individuals’ willingness to seek out help.  Through this agreement, we are hopeful that we will be better equipped to connect with families within the Mexican and Mexican American communities, to help them begin to heal from domestic violence, intimate partner violence, or sexual assault.”

The MOU outlines:

• The promotion of available programs – through the New York- and Philadelphia-based Mexican consulates – that are aimed at the empowerment, training and development of Mexican and Mexican-American women.
• The identification of opportunities to connect with and support Mexican and Mexican-American women who are survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence.
• Legal and social service support or referrals for Mexican and Mexican-American survivors of intimate partner violence.

“New Jersey is one of the most diverse states in the country,” said Acting Director of DCF’s Division on Women, Anna Martinez. “It’s critical that we make every effort to connect to the men and women who call New Jersey home, by building bridges with communities’ trusted representatives and advisors. This MOU is an important step towards fostering that link for the Mexican and Mexican American communities, and will expand our presence and the availability of help within those communities.”

According to the 2010 Census, Mexican Americans are one of the fastest growing populations in New Jersey, with 112% growth from the year 2000. It is anticipated that the 2020 census will reveal an even greater influx.  The towns with the largest increase included Paterson, New Brunswick, Lakewood, and Bridgeton.

DCF’s Division on Women has a mission to empower women and girls and to provide information and referral on relevant programs and services to women and their families. It offers education, awareness, prevention and treatment programs for survivors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence and sexual assault. It also facilitates counseling and training for displaced homemakers.

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