A powerful call for action echoed through the Essex County Board of Commissioners meeting on April 3, 2024, as community members shared personal stories and urgent needs regarding local violence prevention and correctional facility reform.

Survivor advocacy took center stage when a speaker, identifying as a survivor of abuse, emphasized the critical need for awareness and support programs. "Raising awareness is the first step to prevention and making a change," they stated, highlighting the staggering costs survivors face—between $300,000 and $1 million to recover from assault. Their heartfelt plea underscored the importance of community initiatives, such as awareness months, to foster resilience and support.

Lamont Vaughn, a Newark resident and member of the Newark Anti Violence Coalition, passionately addressed the dire conditions within the Essex County Correctional Facility. "It is hell in there," he asserted, advocating for unannounced visits by commissioners to witness the reality of the facility. Vaughn proposed collaboration with community organizations to implement programs that would aid inmates in their reintegration into society, emphasizing that support should begin while they are still incarcerated.

Dawn Haynes, representing multiple organizations, echoed these sentiments, calling for comprehensive programming for juvenile offenders. She pointed out the alarming recidivism rates and the lack of access to necessary services post-sentencing. "We need to work together to assist the most vulnerable population," she urged, advocating for a meeting between community groups and county officials to bridge the gaps in service delivery.

Commissioners responded with gratitude for the speakers' courage and a commitment to addressing the highlighted issues. They acknowledged the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration to tackle the intertwined challenges of violence and correctional reform in Essex County.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency for systemic change was palpable, with community voices demanding action to ensure that the needs of survivors and incarcerated individuals are met with compassion and effective programming. The board's willingness to engage with these concerns signals a potential shift towards more inclusive and supportive policies in Essex County.