FREEHOLD Township — In a bold step to stop violence, 180’s Alternatives to Abuse program for men has been brought to the Monmouth County jail.

During a press conference on June 18, held at the jail, Sheriff Joseph W. Oxley announced the partnership with 180, Turning Lives Around, formerly known as the Women’s Center of Monmouth County.

"Domestic violence, alcohol and substance abuse contribute to the cycle of recidivism that, nationwide, turns up to 50 percent of inmates at county correctional facilities," Oxley said. "In 2000 alone, alcohol and drugs were involved in over 24,800 reported cases of domestic violence across the United States. Clearly this proactive awareness and education initiative is an important addition to our efforts in breaking this cycle."

The Alternatives to Abuse program, which is currently in its 10th year, is designed to break the destructive behavior of male batterers, and help abusers re-examine their behavior in order to prevent future violence.

The program, which has been designed specifically for the jail, teaches that the core of domestic violence is about the abuse of one’s power. That power is used to instill fear and oppress another person by breaking their spirit emotionally, mentally and or physically.

The inmates at the Freehold jail will be taught that there is always a choice, responsibility and consequences to each action, and that they will be held accountable for the choices that they make.

"We are proud to be part of this innovative collaboration with Sheriff Oxley," said Anna Diaz-White, the executive director of 180.

"Alternatives to Abuse helps male offenders focus on creating awareness about their destructive behavior and assists with developing alternative behavior and coping patterns which eliminate violent responses." Diaz-White said that since the program’s inception, 1,400 offenders have been helped.

"Research has shown that specialized batterers’ programs, along with arrests, have been the most successful in decreasing incidents of domestic violence," said program director Janet Gemenden.

"From arrest to involvement in an intervention program, it is important that the batterer be held accountable. I am happy to say that Monmouth County has begun to recognize the need for this type of collaborative effort," Gemenden said.

The 18-week program is completely voluntary and currently has 12 inmates who attend the weekly sessions.

Tom McCarthy, the jail clinical psychologist, who also attends the meetings, said that they were very pleased with the initial response from inmates.

"New members are trying to join every week. More people asked me today if they could sign up," he said.

Sign-up sheets are available throughout the jail.

"I signed up for this to have something positive to do," explained inmate Kevin Freeman, 38, of Asbury Park. "It turned out to be a real positive thing. I enjoy it."

Freeman said that the topics vary at each meeting, but everything they learn teaches them to look for positive ways to deal with their problems.

"We often learn different things from what happens" in the group, he said.

Inmate Joe Pellegrino, 38, Bradley Beach, said he signed up for the course "to make my life better at home."

Pellegrino said he now knows that the mixture of alcohol and his own anger is self-destructive.

"I knew I had to take this step," he said.

Pellegrino said he intends to use the tools he’s learned in his daily life, especially when he is released.

"I never laid my hands on a woman without permission," said inmate Stephen Horton, 33, Trenton, but now realizes that physical violence is not the only form of abuse.

He said that he was formerly verbally abusive to both men and women, and that the classes are now helping him learn different behavior patters.

"Sometimes you don’t know how to step back and look at the situation before you explode," Horton said. Through the classes, Horton said, he is learning how to do that. He said that it is hard to change the behavior pattern, especially in prison where people behave differently than they may on the outside, but with the help of his cell mate, Kevin, he is making the attempt.

"I now know that you have to take a step back, and before you cross that line, think about it," Horton said. "The group has helped me to realize my part in different situations."

For more information about 180, call (732) 264-4111 or (888) 843-4262. Or log on to www.visitmonmouth.com/sheriff, or call the sheriff’s department at (732) 294-5901.