Center for Hope & Safety Reports High Number of Mothers Served in Residential Programs

Rochelle Park, N.J. (May 29, 2024) – 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, reports a high number of mothers served across their residential programs, including transitional housing and emergency housing programs. Over 400 moms have received services in the past three years through Center for Hope & Safety. Many clients seek help when they are pregnant, and 45 have given birth while in the residential services program during the same time period. 

Abuse often escalates during pregnancy. 1 in 6 abused women experiences their first instance of abuse while pregnant, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Each year, over 320,000 women are abused by their partners during pregnancy.

“Homicide is the leading cause of death among pregnant women in the United States,” said Julye Myner, PhD, Executive Director of Center for Hope & Safety. “We want expectant women and moms to know that there is a safe place to go to protect themselves, their baby and their family. Beyond safe housing we provide critical support for moms and babies to make sure both are healthy and free from violence.” 

Center for Hope & Safety offers programs that empower and support both mothers and children including Children’s Services and Project CHILD (Confidence, Hope, Independence, Love and Direction). These programs help with preschool, therapeutic support and referrals for children of residential clients, individual and group counseling, afternoon programming for school-aged children, and registration and set-up of transportation for children in new schools.

In addition, Project CHILD provides creative arts therapy to children ages four to 12 who have experienced/witnessed domestic violence and offers therapeutic support to the child’s non-abusive parent to support their child’s healing throughout the family's participation in the program. 

Other programs and services at Center for Hope & Safety include help with prenatal care, birth plans and education, assistance with insurance paperwork and processing, transportation, childcare, donations for basic needs and necessities and help processing the trauma of both abuse and the birthing process.   

Established in 1976, Center for Hope & Safety has dedicated more than forty years to ensuring that all individuals can experience safety, empowerment, and freedom from violence. The programs offered through Center for Hope & Safety foster new beginnings, and provide victims with resources such as housing solutions, escape planning and economic empowerment and success. 

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 Center for Hope & Safety 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 8,000 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/.