Mike Inganamort, an assemblyman from New Jersey, emphasized the significance of recognizing the human impact of domestic abuse and the individuals and families behind the statistics. His statement was made on X.
“This week, I attended the annual DASI Candlelight Vigil, a tribute to victims and survivors of domestic abuse,” said Inganamort. “Each October, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this event reminds us that behind every statistic are real people, real families, and far too often, children whose lives are forever changed by what they witness at home.”
In October 2025, the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence (NJCEDV) collaborated with local agencies across the state to conduct purple-ribbon campaigns, community walks, and the “Light Up the Night” candlelight vigil at Bergen County’s Van Saun Park. These events were organized to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month and honor survivors and victims of domestic violence. According to NJCEDV, these statewide initiatives were supported by county boards of commissioners formally acknowledging October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in coordination with the New Jersey Department of Children and Families’ Division on Women.
Reports indicate that in New Jersey, 63,058 domestic violence offenses were recorded by state police in 2020. This figure represents a 6% increase from 59,645 offenses in 2019, as summarized by New Jersey Spotlight News using Uniform Crime Report data.
According to SafeWayOut, a national resource site, approximately 1 in 4 women (24.3%) and 1 in 7 men (13.8%) aged 18 or older have experienced severe physical intimate-partner violence in their lifetime in the U.S. The same source notes that “in New Jersey an act of domestic violence happens every 7.29 minutes.”
Inganamort represents New Jersey’s 24th Legislative District and was sworn into the Assembly in January 2024. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from American University and a Master of Arts from Georgetown University. Prior to his current role, he served as mayor of Chester Township before entering state office.
The New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) is responsible for overseeing services for children, youth, families, and victims of domestic violence within the state. It includes the Division on Women which administers direct services related to domestic violence such as 24-hour hotlines, emergency shelter funding, and advocacy programs under N.J.S.A. 52:27D-43.17.