Each October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month invites us to reflect on the realities of abuse and the lives it impacts. But reflection alone is not enough. We must confront the ways domestic violence is often minimized in public discourse, treated...
Topic: Teen Dating Violence
Ask Ava, Ep. 265: “How can teens protect themselves against dating abuse when they start dating?”
Before dating, it can be helpful to identify your goals for relationship and feel confident in your right to make your own choices, set boundaries, and give or deny consent. Along with learning the red flags of abusive relationships, these...
Ask Ava Ep 264 “How to set boundaries without being mean?”
Setting boundaries is a form of self-love; creating safety for YOU is not mean to someone else. Special guest Jessica Fernandez joins us to talk about how setting boundaries can be an act of healing and empowerment! If you or...
When Leaders Minimize Domestic Violence, Survivors Pay the Price
By Michele Boronkas, CEO of Safe + Sound Somerset When the President of the United States publicly questions whether “a little fight with the wife at home” can be considered a crime, it sends a chilling message—not just to survivors...
Ask Ava, Ep. 263: “How can I help my friend in an abusive relationship?”
It's important to show your friend you believe them and support their decisions with care and concern, not with judgement. Join us as special guest Jessica Fernandez shares how her friends helped her through a difficult time. To speak with...
Safe+Sound Somerset Must Be Protected: A Survivor’s Story – NJ Patch
Reprinted from Patch, copyright 2025 Patch Media Somerset County resident Jessica Fernandez speaks on the importance of Safe + Sound after hearing of their federal funding cuts. Alexis Tarrazi, Patch Staff Posted Fri, Aug 22, 2025 at 3:28 pm ET...
Somerset County Awards Nearly $50K to Nonprofits to Address Substance Use Disorders, Opioid Crisis – Somerset County
Reprinted from somersetcountynj.gov, copyright 2025 CONTACT: PublicInfo@co.somerset.nj.us, (908) 231-7020, somersetcountynj.gov (For Immediate Release – Somerset County, NJ): The Somerset County Board of County Commissioners presented grants, totaling $47,250, to eight award recipients selected through Somerset County’s unique Opiate Settlement Community Solutions Grant Program, which...
Ask Ava, Ep. 262: “How can I tell my current partner about my past sexual assault?”
You deserve to be believed and to not be blamed for the sexual assault. Let your partner know how you need them to listen and support you, and give them space for their own reaction as well. Safe+Sound Somerset is...
Domestic, Sexual Violence Survivors At Risk In Somerset County After Federal Cuts – NJ Patch
Reprinted from Patch, copyright 2025 Patch Media A $1.2 million loss in funding threatens the lives of thousands of survivors in Somerset County who rely on Safe+Sound Somerset's services. Alexis Tarrazi, Patch Staff Posted Thu, Jul 10, 2025 at 1:53...
Ask Ava, Ep. 260: “What are the impacts of teen dating violence?”
Experiencing teen dating violence can have devasting impacts on individuals and whole communities. Join us as we talk about some of the effects of teen dating violence AND flip the script to talk about the positive impacts of healthy, safe...
