Center for Hope and Safety Recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month with Vigil, Walk and Gala

Rochelle Park, N.J. (October 1, 2021) – October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Center for Hope and Safety, Bergen County’s only not-for-profit agency dedicated to helping adults and children rebuild their lives beyond domestic violence and abuse,

is hosting three separate events to raise essential funds to support the Center’s mission to assist adults and children who are victims of domestic violence, including emotional, economic, sexual and physical abuse. The events include The Annual Candlelight Vigil for Hope on Tuesday, October 12, the Walk Together Against Domestic Violence on Saturday, October 30, and the Evening of Hope Gala on Wednesday November 3.

Research shows that following a disaster, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, not only does the rate of abuse increase, but the severity of abuse can increase as well. Center for Hope and Safety has seen just that. Calls to Center for Hope and Safety’s 24/7 hotline increased by 46% during the pandemic.  During that time, the Center answered more than 6,150 calls, some which took place during moments of violence, providing domestic violence victims with immediate access to emergency and vital support services.  The Center offers a full spectrum of free services designed to address and support emotional, physical and financial healing for domestic violence victims and survivors including legal counsel, employment support services, and therapeutic programs for children.

“As the impacts of COVID-19 continue to threaten the health and safety of our community, the need for our domestic violence programs and services is more critical than ever,” said Julye Myner, PhD, Executive Director of Center for Hope and Safety, “All of us at Center for Hope and Safety are extremely concerned about the increase in domestic violence during this extraordinarily stressful time. Victims of Domestic Violence are depending on Center for Hope and Safety now more than ever before, and we remain absolutely committed to meeting their needs. Our ability to serve all in need with a robust array of services hinges on community support and it is our hope to continue to reach more victims and survivors of domestic violence that need help and support in the many diverse communities we serve.”

The Annual Candlelight Vigil for Hope is a night for victims, survivors, family of survivors and community members to light up the night against domestic violence, raise awareness and remember lives lost due to domestic violence. The candlelight vigil will begin at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday, October 12th, at Van Saun County Park located at 216 Forest Avenue in Paramus, NJ 07652. To sign up for the vigil, please visit: https://www.hopeandsafetynj.org/domestic-violence-awareness-month/

The 3k Walk Together Against Domestic Violence will also be held at Van Saun Park. All proceeds from the walk will support Center for Hope and Safety’s life-saving programs for victims, survivors, and their families. Check-in for the walk begins at 9:30 a.m. and the walk will start at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 30th. Participants are encouraged to create a walk team with friends or co-workers, walk as a family, become a sponsor, exhibitor and/or volunteer. Registration is $25 per person. Sponsorship and vendor tables are still available starting at $75 Those interested in signing up for the walk or becoming a sponsor can visit: https://www.hopeandsafetynj.org/domestic-violence-awareness-month/, or reach out to Ellen McGuire at (201) 527-6207 or ellen@hopeandsafety.org.

Center for Hope and Safety’s Gala, The Evening of Hope, will be held virtually on Wednesday, November 3rd. The event serves as a celebration as the Center will spotlight remarkable stories of strength, hope, and healing and recognize the incredible impact the generosity of its supporters has had on the community. Please note there is no charge to join the virtual event, but attendees are encouraged to donate. To register, donate or view sponsorship opportunities, please visit: https://www.hopeandsafetynj.org/evening-of-hope/ or contact Ellen McGuire at ellen@hopeandsafetynj.org or (201) 527-6207.

For immediate access to crisis intervention, counseling and referrals including enrollment in our safe house for you or someone you know call: (201) 944-9600 or visit: https://www.hopeandsafetynj.org/.

About Center for Hope and Safety

Center for Hope and Safety is Bergen County’s only not-for-profit agency dedicated to helping adults and children rebuild their lives beyond domestic violence. Since 1976, Center for Hope and Safety has been providing a safe haven and critical support services for domestic violence survivors and their children throughout Bergen County. Our mission is to assist adults and children who are victims of domestic violence, including emotional, economic, sexual and physical abuse. We offer a full spectrum of free services designed to address and support emotional, physical and financial healing, including a legal services program to provide free legal representation, advice and counsel on restraining orders, appeals and emergent custody, visitation, child support, spousal support and other domestic violence family law matters. Our free, confidential hotline answers more than 4,200 calls a year and operates 7 days a week, 365 days a year. For immediate access to crisis intervention, counseling and referrals including enrollment in our safe house call (201) 944-9600 or visit: https://www.hopeandsafetynj.org/.