A Bergen County-based organization that provides essential, lifesaving help for domestic violence victims reported an increase of almost 300% in services provided.
The Center for Hope & Safety in Rochelle Park said its statistics show a high rate of domestic violence in the county for 2024. The center said it served 1,488 people last year and received 5,121 calls to its free 24-hour hotline.
“CHS reported a 292% increase in services provided outside of its shelter programs, which include critical resources that help survivors rebuild their lives and maintain long-term independence,” the center said in a press release.
The center was founded in 1976 to assist adults and children who are victims of all types of domestic abuse, including emotional, economic, sexual and physical abuse.
Julye Myner, the CEO of the Center for Hope & Safety, said domestic abuse is still a “serious issue” in the community.
“We want survivors and the community to know that help is available 24/7 and that we are more than a safe house,” Myner said. “Our array of services helps domestic violence survivors rebuild their lives and break the cycle of abuse.”
The center has a variety of programs beyond sheltering victims to help them after they escape domestic violence. Last year, it sheltered 180 people, including 85 children, and its transitional housing program helped 27 adults and families and 24 kids find shelter. Twelve of those were transitioned into permanent housing.
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Among its other programs:
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The Domestic Violence Liaison Program supported 548 families, provided consultation for the Division of Child Protective and Permanency and trained protective service workers.
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The Project CHILD program, which provides group and individual creative arts therapy for 54 children between the ages of 4 through 12, connected 33 families to counseling, parenting skills and case management services.
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Legal Services provides free legal representation, advice and counsel. The center helped 355 people with over 700 legal matters, including custody, restraining orders, child support and spousal support.
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The Community Services team helped 277 families with things like support group meetings and career counseling.
The center said clients in safe houses and emergency shelters last year stayed an average of 51 days, with a majority of children between the ages of newborn to 9 and a majority of adults between ages 25 and 34.
The Center for Hope & Safety was previously known as Shelter Our Sisters and is a Rochelle Park-based nonprofit. The center’s website says its goal is to “assist Bergen County, NJ victims and survivors of domestic violence,” and it seeks to eliminate domestic violence.
“We strongly believe that every person has the right to be safe, empowered and free from violence and the fear of violence,” the website says.
The 24-hour hotline can be reached at 201-944-9600. Those who are unable to speak safely on the phone can text LOVEIS to 22522.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Bergen County NJ domestic violence cases rise, group reports
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