Center for Hope & Safety Releases Statistics Showing Record High Incidents of Domestic Violence

Rochelle Park, N.J. (April 11, 2023) –Center for Hope & Safety (CHS), Bergen County’s only not-for-profit agency dedicated to helping adults and children rebuild their lives beyond domestic violence and abuse, has released its 2022 program statistics which show record high incidents of domestic violence.

Calls to CHS’ free, 24/7 hotline received 80% more calls in 2022 compared to 2021; the average number of weekly calls in 2021 was 57, which increased to 107 in 2022.

CHS saw an unprecedented high number of domestic violence survivors seek safety through its Safe House Program sheltering 373 adults and children representing a 108% increase from the 10-year average of 179 further demonstrating the continued severity and prevalence of domestic abuse in our communities. 

As a Domestic Violence Liaison to the NJ Department of Children and Families, Division of Child Protection and Permanency, CHS served 495 families impacted by domestic abuse. That represents a more than 22% increase in families served from the prior 10-year average of 407.

Further underscoring the critical need for the comprehensive services CHS provides is its legal services program which provides free legal representation, advice and counsel on restraining orders, appeals and emergent custody, visitation, child support, and spousal support. Throughout 2022 CHS’ legal service program served 343 individuals helping them to navigate 641 legal matters to sustain safety and establish a path forward free from domestic abuse representing  a 44% increase of victims served from 2021.

To further help break the cycle of abuse, CHS’ Community Service team served 371 adults and children through weekly support groups meetings, safety planning, risk assessment, career counseling and financial literacy training programs.

“Ten years ago we averaged 900 clients a year. Today we’re at a 91 percent increase having served 1,719 adults and children in 2022,” said Julye Myner, PhD, Executive Director of Center for Hope & Safety. “The numbers continue to grow further demonstrating that the need for our domestic violence programs and services is more critical than ever. Everyone deserves a life that is safe, empowered and free from violence. We’re here to help adults and children in Bergen County who have been impacted by domestic violence build a safer, healthier life by offering support, resources and professional services.”

Founded in 1976, Center for Hope & Safety has spent over four decades working to ensure that every person is granted the ability to feel safe, empowered, and free from violence. The agency offers a wide range of services designed to help both individuals and their children escape from domestic violence situations, as well as resources towards fostering new beginnings including safe housing, escape planning, financial workshops, career assistance and free legal services. 

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/. 

To support CHS and ensure that domestic violence survivors and their children have access to life-saving services, safe housing safety, and support please consider donating at: https://www.hopeandsafetynj.org/give-help/donate/ 

About Center for Hope & Safety

Center for Hope & 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 & 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 7,500 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/.