Center for Hope & Safety Reports Domestic Violence Statistics for Bergen County
New data highlights sustained demand for safe housing, legal advocacy and survivor support
Rochelle Park, N.J. (April 10, 2026) – Center for Hope & Safety, a nonprofit organization committed to helping adults and children in Bergen County rebuild their lives from domestic violence, has released its 2025 program statistics, reflecting sustained demand for both crisis response and long-term support services throughout the county as the organization marks its 50th year of service in 2026.
In 2025, Center for Hope & Safety served 1,556 individuals and handled 5,138 calls through its free, confidential 24/7 hotline. These numbers underscore the continued need for immediate intervention, safety planning and connection to essential resources.
The agency’s Safe House provided emergency shelter to 140 survivors, including 93 women and 47 children, with an average stay of 92 days. Its Transitional Housing Program supported 20 adults and 17 children, offering longer-term stability with an average seven-month stay and assisting seven households in securing permanent housing.
Beyond emergency and transitional shelter, Center for Hope & Safety’s Safe & Sustainable Futures program helped 17 adults and 12 children remain in their own homes through rental assistance and ongoing case management. Altogether, 177 individuals accessed residential housing programs in 2025.
Through its Domestic Violence Liaison Program, Center for Hope & Safety worked with 626 non-offending parents, providing consultation, advocacy and domestic violence training in coordination with the Division of Child Protection & Permanency.
The organization’s Project CHILD Program delivered music and art therapy services to 53 children and 31 families. Among those who completed the program, 80% of children demonstrated measurable emotional and behavioral progress, and 100% of participating families reported stronger overall functioning.
In the community, Center for Hope & Safety supported 277 families through counseling, support groups, safety planning, risk assessments and economic empowerment initiatives designed to promote long-term independence.
Legal advocacy also remained a critical component of the non-profit’s work. In 2025, the Legal Services Program assisted 363 clients across 669 legal matters. Of those served, 74 clients received full representation, while 313 received legal guidance and counsel related to restraining orders, custody and visitation, child and spousal support and other family law matters.
“Domestic abuse continues to affect individuals and families across Bergen County,” said Julye Myner, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Center for Hope & Safety. “Survivors need more than emergency shelter. They need coordinated, comprehensive support to move forward safely. As we mark our 50th year of service in 2026, these numbers reinforce why our work remains essential and why we will continue strengthening support systems for survivors.”
Founded in 1976, and marking 50 years of service this year, Center for Hope & Safety offers a continuum of free services designed to help survivors achieve safety, healing and stability, including confidential shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, economic empowerment and therapeutic services for children.
For immediate access to crisis intervention, counseling and referrals, call Center for Hope & Safety’s free, confidential hotline at (201) 944-9600 or visit 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 https://www.hopeandsafetynj.org/.