Bestselling Author To Address Teen Dating And Violence At Bergen County Event

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A domestic violence agency in Bergen County that serves more than 1,000 victims each year will host an event with a bestselling young adult author this week.

Author Sarah Dessen will discuss teen dating and domestic violence with the CEO of the Paramus-based Center for Hope and Safety in the livestreamed event.

The event takes place Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. and is free, but requires an RSVP (the link is below).

The event will center on Dessen’s novel "Dreamland," which explores intimate partner and domestic violence.

Julye Myner, the CEO of the Center — which is kicking off its 50th year with this event — will discuss the themes of the novel and how they reflect the real-life experiences of survivors and abusers.

The center said in a release, "Dreamland has remained a powerful and widely read novel for more than two decades, offering an honest portrayal of dating violence through the perspective of a teenage girl."

The Center for Hope and Safety, formerly Shelter our Sisters, provides support and housing for people and families impacted by domestic violence. Their leaders have said that even if a person in a domestic violence situation is not ready to leave, they can call the agency for support and/or to make a plan. READ MORE: Bergen County Domestic Violence Agency Responds To Recent NJ Slayings

Use this link to register for Wednesday's event.