“Making sure that we continue to talk about these issues in our community, we can destigmatize intimate partner violence and let victims know that there are many of us out there to take their hand and help you in any way that we can,” Assemblywoman Jenne said at Monday night's event at Jefferson Community College.
"I think it's important we spend this evening here with each other, supporting each other and talking about a very serious issue in our community,"' she noted.
"Often times it goes unseen, the violence that does not discriminate, whether you live in a large beautiful house or a tiny apartment," Assemblywoman Jenne pointed out.
"Domestic violence and sexual assault crosses all types of lifestyles, all types of circumstances. It can happen when you are young, and it can happen when you are old," she said.
"It's important for everyone in our community be willing to talk about the issues, willing to stand up against it and be willing to support someone who experienced something terrible," Assemblywoman Jenne added.
The assemblywoman said he had attended the St. Lawrence Valley Renewal House's annual dinner in Canton and the open house at the Victim's Assistance Center in Watertown earlier this month. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
She said Renewal House has received a grant to provide legal assistance to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. The assemblywoman also noted the Victim's Assistance Center has moved into a new facility to help even more victims get the resources they need to move forward.
"Our communities here in the North Country take this seriously. I hope all of you will take this message with you and also spread that message to others in the community," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
"There is a shining light of hope for anyone that is touched by violence. We are all here to help folks get beyond that and deal with the pain and trauma and begin to take back their lives," she added.
"I'm very grateful to be here, and to be a part of this, and to lend my voice to everyone else here. This is enough. Let's stop it., Let's hold people accountable and provide people with the support so many need to get on with their lives," AssemblywomanAssemblywoman Jenne said.
An internationally observed event to raise awareness of violence against women, JCC’s Take Back The Night event featured a march around campus, panel of guest speakers, a resource fair and music provided by singer/guitarist Travis Rocco.
A string of student-decorated t-shirts bearing personal messages, known as the Clothesline Project, was also on display.
Guest speakers included Assemblywoman Jenne, Jefferson County Sheriff Colleen M. O’Neill, JCC Interim Dean of Students Katy E. Troester-Trate and representatives of the Watertown Veterans Center and the Fort Drum Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program.
An internationally observed event to raise awareness of violence against women, JCC’s Take Back The Night event featured a march around campus, panel of guest speakers, a resource fair and music provided by singer/guitarist Travis Rocco.
A string of student-decorated t-shirts bearing personal messages, known as the Clothesline Project, was also on display.
Guest speakers included Assemblywoman Jenne, Jefferson County Sheriff Colleen M. O’Neill, JCC Interim Dean of Students Katy E. Troester-Trate and representatives of the Watertown Veterans Center and the Fort Drum Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program.
IN THE PHOTOS:
TOP PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne and Jefferson County Sheriff Colleen O'Neill joined Jefferson Community College students for a silent march around campus as part of a Take Back The Night event at the school.
BOTTOM PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne posed for a photograph with other speakers at the Take Back The Night event at Jefferson Community. Pictured are (l-r): Kelly Best, JCC education coordinator and event organizer; Jefferson County Sheriff Colleen O'Neill; Emma Paige, who performed a special song at the event; Assemblywoman Jenne; Janice Barr, Fort Drum Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program; and Jennifer Christie, Watertown Veterans Center.
