Haven at Ramapo Ridge: Supporting Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to the pervasive issue of domestic violence and its devastating impact. This month serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of educating the public about the signs and consequences of domestic violence, encouraging individuals to speak out, and cultivating a supportive environment and helpful resources for survivors.

Understanding Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in a relationship that is used to gain or maintain control over an intimate partner, a family member, or another household member. It can manifest in many ways, including physical or emotional abuse, psychological manipulation, economic coercion, threats, forced isolation, or any abuse of power or control. Understanding the different dimensions of domestic violence is essential in identifying and addressing it effectively.

Common Signs of Domestic Violence

Recognizing the signs of domestic violence is critical for early intervention. Some common indicators that someone is a victim of domestic violence include:

• Bruises, cuts, or other unexplained injuries
• Signs of anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem, often stemming from ongoing manipulation or verbal abuse
• Increased isolation from friends and family, which can be a sign of control by the abuser
• Restricted access to financial resources, making it difficult for the victim to leave the relationship

Why Awareness and Early Intervention Are Crucial

Awareness and early intervention are paramount in combating domestic violence. Many victims suffer in silence, fearing the repercussions of speaking out or further harm from their abuser. By fostering an environment of understanding, support, and safety, you can empower victims to seek help before things escalate further.

How You Can Help

Friends, family, and community members play a crucial role in helping victims of domestic violence get out of their situation and begin to heal. If someone you know is a victim, it’s important to offer them support and encouragement and create a safe space for them to share their experiences.

Here are some ways you can help:

• Watch out for the signs: Recognizing the signs of domestic violence is the first and most vital step in early intervention. If you ever suspect something sinister is going on behind closed doors, proactively address it with your friend or loved one and let them know you are there for them.
• Listen: If someone comes to you with concerns, always provide a nonjudgmental ear and validate their emotions.
• Get educated and spread awareness: Understanding the complexities of domestic violence and the different ways it can affect victims can empower you to offer informed support and guidance as well as educate others.
• Encourage professional help: Suggesting that the victim reach out to local resources, such as a shelter or mental health counseling center, can facilitate their path to recovery.

The Role of Haven at Ramapo Ridge

Victims of domestic violence often experience overwhelming emotions, even after eliminating themselves from their relationship or living situation. Physical and psychological abuse both contribute to many mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

That’s why it’s so important for victims to find the mental health support they need to help them process their trauma, learn healthy coping methods, and begin to heal.

Haven at Ramapo Ridge plays a key role in assisting domestic violence survivors on their journey to recovery by providing inpatient trauma-informed care and services in a safe and secure wing for women only in our Ramapo Ridge Behavioral Health Hospital in Wyckoff, New Jersey. The program is the first of its kind in Bergen County and the only inpatient women’s program in New Jersey.

Haven helps women victims of domestic violence as well as women who have experienced other types of trauma in the following ways:

• A safe and secure wing of the hospital designated for women only to ensure privacy and stability away from triggers
• Small-group therapy sessions in a serene, peaceful environment that fosters a sense of comfort and encourages patients to engage and share with one another
• A dedicated team of nurses and nursing assistants, social workers, and therapeutic activity professionals who are all thoroughly trained in women’s trauma and trauma-informed care to provide compassionate, gentle, and nonjudgmental support

Haven at Ramapo Ridge’s Commitment to Domestic Violence Awareness

In addition to providing compassionate trauma-informed care to women, Haven is dedicated to raising awareness through community outreach and educational workshops.

This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we will be supporting victims in the following ways.

• We are sponsoring and participating in Center for Hope & Safety's annual 3 K walk, WALK TOGETHER Against Domestic Violence, to support local and national social change efforts to prevent domestic violence.
• Alexis Totaro, MSN, RN, WHNP-c, CARN-AP, Vice President/Administrator of Mental Health Services – Chief Nurse Executive at Christian Health, will speak as a panelist in a Zoom discussion on October 24, hosted by Sisters-in-Service, to help educate the public on the complexities of domestic violence, as well as prevention, intervention, and exit strategies.
• During the month of October, clinical rotations at Ramapo Ridge highlight domestic violence by promoting awareness of its unique dynamics and teaching nursing students how to use the appropriate tools to better screen, assess, and intervene appropriately and with empathy.

Learn More About Haven at Ramapo Ridge

To find out more about this important program and how we support victims of domestic violence and other types of trauma, please call us at (201) 848-5500 or visit ChristianHealthNJ.info/Haven.