Latino forum asks to break the silence on domestic violence

Domestic violence forum in Dover aimed at Latinos
'Bottom line: Break the silence,' detective tells audience of 120
Daily Record • March 10, 2009

DOVER -- Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi led a forum Monday night in Dover at Casa Puerto Rico on Blackwell Street that attracted 120 people who came to hear a message of hope about Hispanic victims of domestic violence.

"We are here tonight to reach out and calm fears while reporting crime, especially the crime of domestic violence," Bianchi said.

Officials last night noted police have the authority to safeguard a victim from further abuse, arrest the abuser and help a victim seek and obtain a restraining order. They are not questioned about their immigration status.

"Bottom line: break the silence," Detective Keisha Higgs of the Prosecutor's Office said. "The role of law enforcement is to help, not harm. We realize there are many factors that prevent women from getting help. But please end the silence. Domestic violence in your community is a growing epidemic."

To help Hispanic victims of domestic violence, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Jersey Battered Women's Service, the Morris County Office of Hispanic Affairs, the Morris County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Department of Human Services have partnered to expand, improve and make accessible programs by offering help in Spanish.

The speakers Monday night included representatives from Legal Services of New Jersey, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, the Jersey Center for Non-Violence and the Jersey Battered Women's Service.

Those familiar with domestic-violence trends said many cases involving Hispanics go unreported due to language barriers and a lack of faith in law enforcement based on experiences in their native country.

There also is a lot of fear -- of deportation, of losing the family's breadwinner and of threats and reprisals.