Annual Domestic Violence Vigil Planned For Bergen County Tuesday

PARAMUS, NJ — The Center for Hope & Safety, dedicated to helping Bergen County residents rebuild their lives beyond domestic violence, will host its annual Light Up the Night Against Domestic Violence candlelight vigil on Tuesday night.

The vigil is meant to memorialize victims, honor survivors, and unite the community in a shared commitment to ending abuse.

The vigil will be held in Paramus at 6:15 p.m. this Tuesday.

October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and each year, nearly 1,300 lives in the U.S. are lost to domestic violence.

This outdoor evening vigil at Van Saun Park invites survivors, families, and community members to come together in remembrance. Attendees will share personal stories of hope, healing, and resilience near the Pathway to Self-Sufficiency Garden, a living symbol of renewal for those rebuilding their lives.

In 2024, Center for Hope & Safety answered over 5,000 calls to its 24/7 hotline and provided safe shelter to more than 190 adults and children through its licensed Safe House program.

Dozens of families found longer-term stability through transitional and permanent housing, while hundreds of children received support, healing, and hope.

The vigil will be held at Van Saun County Park, Near Parking Lot 4, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus.

The center's free, confidential hotline operates 7 days a week, 365 days a year: (201) 944-9600. They have said that people can call on behalf of a family member, or if they are not ready to leave yet but want to plan for the future.

For more information, visit https://www.hopeandsafetynj.or...

Other Ways To Get Help

Each county in New Jersey has a domestic violence agency, and the state has its own hotline.

The national domestic violence hotline, reachable through phone, text, or chat, is 800-799-SAFE (7233), or you can text "Start" to 88788 to reach them by text.

The New Jersey hotline is 1-800-572-SAFE (7233). The list of county agencies and other information on how to protect oneself legally in New Jersey is here.