Candlelight Vigil + Other Events Scheduled For Domestic Violence Month In Bergen County

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — To recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Bergen County, the Center for Hope & Safety has several community events scheduled in October including the annual candlelight vigil.

Calls to the Bergen County nonprofit's 24/7 hotline have increased almost 50 percent since the beginning of the pandemic and continue to "hold steady," said executive director Julye Myner, PhD.

“We have seen a significant increase in all of our emergency services especially safe housing as well as an increased need for continued support services for adults and children that are victims or witnesses of domestic abuse," said Myner in a news release.

The annual vigil is Oct. 12 at 6:15 p.m., and a Walk Together Against Domestic Violence is Oct. 29 at 10 a.m. Both of these events are at Van Saun County Park in Paramus (further details are below).

Any proceeds from the events will fund support services for children and adults who have experienced domestic violence and programming for victims, survivors, and their families.

The Center for Hope & Safety offers free services designed to help people heal emotionally, physically and financially. These services include free legal representation, and advice and counsel on restraining orders, appeals and emergent custody, visitation, child support, spousal support and other domestic violence family law matters.

"Throughout Domestic Violence Awareness Month our goal is to provide opportunities for the community to stand together against domestic violence in Bergen County and educate our community about domestic abuse and prevention to help break the cycle of violence," Myner said.

Here is the full schedule of events:

The Art of Survival Annual Reception
October 6, 2022 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
The Art School at Old Church, 561 Piermont Rd, Demarest, NJ 07627

The 9th annual Art of Survival Annual Reception celebrates the fantastic art created by the 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 will be on display throughout the month of October – National Domestic Violence Awareness month.

Sip for Safety - A Beer & Wine Tasting in Memory of Michele Sabia
October 9, 2022 from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Williams Center, 1 Williams Plaza, Rutherford, NJ 07070

Sip for Safety is a beer and wine tasting event to honor the memory of Michele Sabia, who was a teacher at Rutherford’s Washington School at the time of her death in 2016, when she was fatally shot by her husband. Her father, Pete Miragliotta, is a Center for Hope & Safety board member and advocate for domestic violence prevention and awareness.

An art exhibit featuring the courageous expressions of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault will also be on display. This event at the Williams Center is one of 11 Bergen County locations showcasing these art pieces during October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Tickets are required for the event. Ticket rates are $75 Early Bird ($25 is tax-deductible) until 9/29; $85 starting 9/30 ($35 is tax-deductible). To purchase tickets and to learn more visit: https://www.hopeandsafetynj.org/sip-for-safety-winetasting/

Annual Candlelight Vigil
October 12, 2022 at 6:15 p.m.
Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ

The Annual Candlelight Vigil for Hope is a night for victims, survivors, family of survivors and community members to light up the night against domestic violence, raise awareness and remember lives lost due to domestic violence.

Attendance is free. RSVP at: https://chsnj.salsalabs.org/dvmonth2022/index.html

Walk Together Against Domestic Violence
October 29, 2022 (rain or shine)at 10 a.m.
Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ. Parking Lot 9, Pavilion I

Be a part of the domestic violence prevention movement. The 3K walk in Van Saun Park provides an opportunity for the community to show support of local and national social change efforts to end domestic violence.

Registration is required and there is a $30 donation to participate per walker. For registration and sponsorship opportunities visit: https://chsnj.salsalabs.org/dvwalk2022/index.html

The Center for Hope & Safety has been providing critical support services and a safe haven for those affected by domestic violence in Bergen County since 1976.

The Center's mission is to "assist adults and children who are victims of domestic violence, including emotional, economic, sexual and physical abuse."

If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence and need resources, contact the Center for Hope & Safety at 201-944-9600 or https://www.hopeandsafetynj.org/.