Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation Launches New Sanctuary Initiative

Editor's Note: Victims of domestic violence and people who may be at risk can view their county's resources, call the New Jersey hotline at 1-800-572-SAFE (7233), or contact the national domestic violence hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). For emergencies, call 911.

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ — This spring, the Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation will launch a new statewide initiative that aims to ensure victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse have a safe place to go at police departments and other facilities throughout New Jersey.

Each of these spaces will be designated as “Stephanie’s Sanctuary” in honor of Stephanie Nicole Parze, who lost her life to domestic violence in 2019.

The newly renovated spaces will allow victims to decompress and feel more at ease as they begin their recovery process, officials said.

The initiative also aims to make it easier for responding advocates and police officers working on these cases to help victims in a calmer and more soothing atmosphere while they provide valuable services.

Emergency essentials such as a change of clothes, soft drinks, snacks, children’s coloring books, and more will be available along with helpful information.

Freehold Township will serve as a pilot space for the initiative, according to officials.

A dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, March 24 at Freehold Township Police HQ. The event is open to all, officials said, especially survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse, as well as their families.

“Please come out and show your support for the Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation and this wonderful endeavor,” the foundation said in an online post. “Together we can all make a difference!”

The Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation was created following the death of Stephanie Parze in 2019.

Parze was missing for 87 days before her body was found in a wooded area off Route 9 in Old Bridge. The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office later determined that Parze’s ex-boyfriend, John Ozbilgen, had killed her.

Following Parze’s death, her parents, Ed and Sharlene Parze, started the Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation to raise awareness and provide education, intervention and support to families and individuals dealing with domestic violence, sexual abuse and missing loved ones.

Since then, the foundation has hosted events, fundraisers and vigils in honor of Stephanie and in remembrance of her life.

To learn more about the Stephanie’s Sanctuary Initiative, you can click here.

To learn more about the Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation, you can visit their website.

Related

• Freehold Candlelight Vigil To Mark Stephanie Parze's Birthday
• Family Creates Stephanie Parze Foundation To Honor Her Life