On behalf of 180, Turning Lives Around, I am writing to thank Greater Media Newspapers and the Examiner for its substantive news article reporting on the new name for the Women’s Center of Monmouth County.

Your newspaper has helped us inform area readers about the wealth of services available to assist survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The new name has touched a strong chord in everyone. People in our area are reacting to the new name, and we appreciate the opportunity to describe the rationale for a new name. Our center has never hidden from controversy or tackling the tough issues. Whether in Trenton, in Washington, D.C., or in Freehold, we have said all along that domestic violence and sexual assault are not ever a woman’s fault. Indeed, these issues do not constitute a "women’s issue" any more than child abuse is a "children’s issue." We as a community are all responsible for ending domestic violence and sexual assault. Our board believes that this new name takes the burden off women while focusing on what is achieved here each day by courageous women, men and even children.

In the past seven years, the Women’s Center has secured numerous national, state and local awards for its distinguished service in two key areas:

1. programs serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault; and

2. the expansion of existing programs to help children recover from the trauma of domestic violence and prevent victimization, and to assist men with breaking the cycle of violence.

Several times in the past few years, the Examiner has published numerous op-eds explaining the role of our path-breaking Men’s Task Force that is creating healthy male role models for families, and the benefits of our nationally acclaimed Amanda’s Easel art therapy program. Your newspaper has reported on all our landmark achievements and partnerships with governors, legislators and congressional leaders to advocate the end of violence by attacking it at its root.

With an average client age of 35 and an increasing presence before younger residents who are increasingly oriented with visual images, the center needed to update its name. A design firm donated its professional services in order to conduct a 14-month review process for a new name that would enhance our existing mission of combating domestic violence and sexual assault. Additionally, it was believed that because the Women’s Center turned the lives around of so many women, children and men, the agency needed a name that would welcome all of our constituent groups.

The 180 logo, with is tagline Turning Lives Around, is innovative and cutting-edge. It moves from the purple color symbolizing domestic violence and sexual assault to a healing color of blue. It has what looks like a half-moon image that represents a half of a degree mark, hence the 180 number. When our clients turn their lives around, they make a 180-degree turn for the better — empowered, independent, strong and renewed. We find children who smile and experience joy again. Mothers are ready to embrace a new life. Batterers gain awareness that past behavior is unacceptable. These changes are profound.

We realize that with this change comes many challenges. That’s why our telephone numbers have not changed and we have reserved two listings in the telephone book to be published: one for the Women’s Center of Monmouth County and one for 180, Turning Lives Around. We recognize that we must bring our name to the public, and we are doing so with mailings, media visibility, faxes and phone calls, and letters like this one.

We look forward to working with the Examiner as we educate our community about the need to end violence against women. We’ll have a new name as we continue our old mission. We welcome the opportunity to partner with all who believe that every woman, child and man has the right to live in a violence-free home and to live free of the fear of sexual assault

If members of our community would like to receive a special sheet which answers three commonly asked questions about the name change, please call 180, Turning Lives Around at (732) 264-9125 and leave your name and address. Our toll-free numbers are (888) 843-9262 for domestic violence, and (888) 264-RAPE (264-7273) for sexual assault, and the general numbers are (732) 264-4111 and (732) 264-7273.

Anna M. Diaz-White is executive director of 180, Turning Lives Around, in Hazlet