Center for Hope & Safety To Host Series of Events Across Bergen County for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Rochelle Park, N.J. (September 30, 2025) – In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, Center for Hope & Safety, formerly known as Shelter Our Sisters, will host a series of community events across Bergen County to raise awareness, support survivors, and engage the public in meaningful conversations around prevention and healing from domestic abuse.

With over 70,000 domestic violence incidents reported in New Jersey and more than 41% of women and 26% of men nationwide affected by intimate partner violence, the need for support remains urgent. In 2024, Center for Hope & Safety was a part of the solution, answering over 5,000 hotline calls and providing shelter and emotional support to nearly 1,500 survivors across Bergen County.

“With nearly five decades of experience, we remain committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where survivors of domestic violence can begin to heal, reclaim their independence and rebuild their lives with hope,” Dr. Julye Myner, Ph.D., CEO of Center for Hope & Safety said. “This mission has guided our work every step of the way, and it continues to drive us as we raise awareness and stand alongside individuals and families who come to us in their time of need.”

Domestic Violence Awareness Month events hosted by Center for Hope & Safety during the month of October include:

Light Up the Night Against Domestic Violence

Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 6:15 PM 

Van Saun County Park – Near Parking Lot 4

216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ

This free, outdoor vigil provides a reflective, healing space to remember lives lost to domestic violence and honor those who have survived. Hosted near the Pathway to Self-Sufficiency, the evening will feature testimonials from survivors and loved ones of victims. The event is open to the public and offers a powerful reminder that domestic violence affects every corner of our community, and that collective healing begins with awareness and remembrance.

The Art of Survival Annual Reception

Monday, October 14, 2025
6:00 - 8:00 PM
The Art School at Old Church
561 Piermont Road, Demarest, NJ

Now in its 12th year, The Art of Survival is a gallery exhibit and reception that celebrates the strength and creativity of domestic violence and sexual assault survivors. The exhibit showcases original artwork created through therapeutic workshops hosted by Center for Hope & Safety and supported by the Bergen County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs. Each piece represents a step in the survivor’s healing journey. The event is free and open to the public, and the exhibit will remain on display throughout October.

Highlights from last year’s exhibit are available here: https://www.hopeandsafetynj.org/2024/10/27/artofsurvival24recap/ 

Purple Thursday: Wear Purple, Share Hope

Thursday, October 16, 2025
All Day – Online and In-Person

On this national day of action, join Center for Hope & Safety in going purple to show your support for survivors and help raise awareness about domestic violence. Individuals, schools, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to wear purple and post photos on social media using #PurpleThursday. Don’t forget to tag @chsbergennj so Center for Hope & Safety can share your posts and showcase your support.

Walk Together Against Domestic Violence

Saturday, October 25, 2025
9:30 AM – Registration | 10:15 AM – Walk Start
Van Saun County Park – Parking Lot 9, Pavilion I
216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ

Join Center for Hope & Safety for a family-friendly 3K walk in support of domestic violence prevention and survivor services. This year’s Walk Together Against Domestic Violence marks the 10th annual event and is one of the most impactful community gatherings. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple, form teams, and bring signs of support. Registration is required, and there is a $30 donation required to participate. For more information on registering or sponsorship opportunities, visit: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/3ZP6_w?vid=1ll71q.

Proceeds from these events support Center for Hope & Safety’s comprehensive range of services that empower individuals and families impacted by domestic violence to rebuild their lives with safety, stability, and hope.

Additionally, Center for Hope & Safety is proud to participate in several impactful community events throughout Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October. These include:

Roots of Light: An Evening of Art & Healing on Thursday, October 9 at the Ruth Bauer Neustadter Gallery in Hackensack, a free public art exhibition exploring themes of resilience through nature-based abstract art.

The Bergen County Professional Women’s Network First Friday Luncheon on October 3 in Allendale, where Center for Hope & Safety representative Sheila Bernstein will lead a conversation on understanding partner violence, sharing her personal journey and decades of advocacy to educate and empower others.

The 7th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Symposium on October 22 at New Milford High School, where Center for Hope & Safety will join other community partners in addressing the rise of tech abuse and digital safety. 

Through these collaborative efforts, Center for Hope & Safety continues its commitment to raising awareness, fostering healing, and supporting survivors across Bergen County. 

If you or someone you know needs help, call Center for Hope & Safety’s free, confidential 24/7 hotline at (201) 944-9600. Learn more at www.hopeandsafetynj.org.

About Center for Hope & Safety 

Center for Hope & Safety, formerly Shelter our Sisters, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping adults and children in Bergen County 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. 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 help survivors be safe, heal and thrive, including confidential safe housing, risk assessments, safety planning, counseling, advocacy, support groups, career counseling, legal services and creative arts therapy for children. Our free, confidential hotline operates 7 days a week, 365 days a year - call (201) 944-9600. For more information, visit www.hopeandsafetynj.org.