Published on April 10, 2026
Law Enforcement, Health Partners Outline Efforts to Combat Sex Crimes and Support Victims
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners recognized April 2026 as “National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month” during its public meeting this week, highlighting the county’s continued partnership with law enforcement and health care providers to prevent sexual violence, support survivors and hold offenders accountable.
Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw presented a proclamation to representatives of the Morris County Sexual Assault Center, operated by Atlantic Health System’s Behavioral Health division. The presentation brought together key county partners in the effort to combat sex crimes, including Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, members of the Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit and Sheriff James Gannon.
“Sexual violence affects people of all backgrounds and can leave lasting impacts not only on survivors, but on families and entire communities. This month reinforces our shared responsibility to raise awareness, strengthen prevention efforts and ensure survivors have access to the care, support and justice they deserve,” said Director Shaw.
He noted that despite increased awareness over the past 25 years, sexual violence remains both widespread and underreported. Citing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — that nearly half of all women and more than one in six men have experienced sexual violence — Director Shaw emphasized the importance of sustained attention to prevention efforts and victim services.
During the meeting, Prosecutor Carroll detailed the evolving challenges facing law enforcement, particularly the growing prevalence of internet-related crimes involving children. He said his office is reviewing its 2016 memorandum of understanding with the State of New Jersey’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a move that will expand state and federal resources and strengthen its ability to investigate online exploitation.
Prosecutor Carroll also pointed to a broader shift in strategy, with greater emphasis on early intervention and prevention in coordination with behavioral health professionals to address risks before they escalate.
“One of the largest areas of focus for our office continues to be sex offenses in all forms,” said Prosecutor Carroll. “We are working to identify patterns, intervene earlier and use every available resource to protect victims and families. When these crimes do occur, we remain committed to prosecuting offenders to the fullest extent of the law.”
Sheriff Gannon, who helped develop the sex crimes unit with the prosecutor’s office in the 1980s, spoke about how the response to sexual violence has evolved, from investigative practices to the integration of technology and victim-centered care.
“What we see today is a system that has evolved significantly in terms of how victims are supported, along with more sophisticated tools to investigate these crimes. The partnerships we have in Morris County — between law enforcement, healthcare providers and county leadership — are what make this work possible. Together, we are better equipped to respond, prevent and protect,” said Sheriff Gannon.
Lana Ubinski, behavioral health program coordinator for the Morris County Sexual Assault Center, and Kerri Bossardet-West, director of outpatient behavioral health services and the Atlantic Behavioral Health Access Center, detailed the scope of services provided through the center, including 24/7 counseling, prevention education, and in-person advocacy in hospitals and police departments.
“Our work shows that sexual violence can impact anyone, regardless of age or background, and the effects can be lifelong,” said Ubinski. “Addressing this issue requires a coordinated community response. We are grateful to work alongside our partners in Morris County to ensure survivors receive the support they need.”
“Through education, counseling and strong partnerships across the county, we strive to make a meaningful difference for our patients. This proclamation reinforces that they are seen and supported, and that we are committed to keeping our communities safe,” said Bossardet-West.
If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, confidential support is available 24/7 through the Atlantic Behavioral Health Sexual Assault Program Hotline at 973-829-0587. Trained professionals, advocates and forensic nurses are available to provide medical, emotional and legal support. Visit Atlantic Health’s website for information about the Morris County Sexual Assault Center.
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Photo 1: (front row, l-r) Assistant Prosecutor Justin Tellone, Assistant Prosecutor Kelly Sandler and Det. Jazmin Felder of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO); Lana Ubinski, behavioral health program coordinator for the Morris County Sexual Assault Center; Kerri Bossardet-West, director of outpatient behavioral health services and the Atlantic Behavioral Health Access Center; Commissioner Tayfun Selen; Commissioner Christine Myers; First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood of the MCPO; Commissioners Douglas Cabana and Thomas Mastrangelo. (back row, l-r) Det. Sean Verbist, Sgt. Marshall Wang and Assistant Prosecutor Jacqueline Marotta of the MCPO; Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw; Prosecutor Robert Carroll and Commissioner John Krickus.
Photo 2: Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw presents a proclamation to Lana Ubinski (right) and Kerri Bossardet-West (center) of Atlantic Behavioral Health’s Morris County Sexual Assault Center.
Photo 3: Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon speaking at the April 8, 2026 Commissioners’ public meeting.
Photo 4: : Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll speaking at the April 8, 2026 Commissioners’ public meeting.