Center for Hope & Safety Raises Awareness During Domestic Violence Awareness Month with Community Events

Rochelle Park, N.J. (October 2, 2024) – October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Center for Hope & Safety (CHS), formerly Shelter our Sisters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping adults and children in Bergen County rebuild their lives beyond domestic violence, is hosting several events throughout the month to raise awareness of domestic violence in Bergen County and proceeds from the annual “Walk Together to Fight Domestic Violence” event will fund essential support services to assist adults and children who are victims of domestic violence rebuild their lives.

“Ninety percent of homicides in Bergen County are connected to domestic violence, highlighting the urgency of removing victims and their children from dangerous situations before they escalate,” said Julye Myner, PhD, Executive Director of Center for Hope & Safety. “In 2023, Center for Hope & Safety served more than 1,600 Bergen County adults and children, helping them find safety from physical, financial and emotional abuse by providing the resources and support services necessary to rebuild their lives beyond domestic violence. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we invite the community to join us at our events as we stand together to stop domestic violence.”

Domestic Violence Awareness Month events throughout October, hosted by Center for Hope & Safety include:

Light Up the Night Against Domestic Violence

October 8, 2024 at 6:15 PM

Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ

The Annual Candlelight Vigil for Hope is a night to help raise domestic violence awareness and remember lives lost due to domestic violence. Attendees include Bergen County domestic violence survivors and family members of victims who share their stories of survivorship, hope, healing and remembrance throughout the vigil. The vigil is free to attend and is open to the community.

The Art of Survival Annual Reception

October 10, 2024 from 6 PM - 8 PM

The Art School at Old Church, 561 Piermont Rd. Demarest, NJ

The 11th annual Art of Survival Annual Reception celebrates the powerful art created by Bergen County domestic violence and sexual assault survivors who participated in The Art of Survival workshops provided by Center for Hope & Safety, supported through a grant from the Bergen County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs. The art exhibit is open to the public and will be on display throughout the month of October, with a special viewing and reception on October 10.

Purple Thursday for Domestic Violence Awareness

October 17, 2024, held virtually all-day

Raise domestic violence awareness by wearing purple on Thursday, October 17, in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Day or Purple Thursday. Take photos with family, friends, or co-workers dressed in purple and post and tag @chsbergennj and @hopeandsafetynj with the hashtag #PurpleThursday.

WALK TOGETHER Against Domestic Violence

October 26, 2024 at 10:00 AM

Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ at Parking Lot 9. Pavilion

The 9th annual 3K walk in Van Saun Park provides an opportunity for the community to show support for local and national social change efforts to end domestic violence. This year, there will be participant awards for the most spirit (individual & team), most dollars raised (individual & team), and largest team. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple.

Registration is required, and there is a $30 donation to participate per walker. For registration and sponsorship opportunities, visit: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/kO7yRw?vid=16xwti.

Proceeds from the walk support Center for Hope & Safety’s life-saving programs for victims, survivors, and their families, including confidential safe housing, risk assessments, safety planning, counseling, advocacy, support groups, career counseling, legal services, creative arts therapy for children and more.

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 & 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/.