90 Percent Of Bergen County Killings Are Domestic Violence, Group Says. Walk Will Help

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A Bergen County agency helped 1,600 adults and children with domestic violence situations last year, they say — but not everyone makes it away safely.

Among the victims in North Jersey last year was a Bergen County real estate broker allegedly beaten to death by her stepson, and two teachers who were allegedly killed by their partners. READ MORE: 17 Women Among Those Killed In Domestic Violence In NJ

Ninety percent of homicide victims in Bergen County are killed as a result of domestic violence, said the Center for Home and Safety, an organization that provides support, legal help, and temporary housing.

As October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Center has been holding events, including a vigil for victims last Tuesday.

This weekend, they will hold a walk to raise awareness.

This Saturday at 10 a.m., the walk will kick off from Paramus.

The Center, formerly known as Shelter our Sisters, is a nonprofit "dedicated to helping adults and children in Bergen County rebuild their lives beyond domestic violence." Proceeds from the 3K walk will support Center for Hope & Safety’s mission to assist victims.

Besides offering support and temporary housing, they have said they can counsel friends or relatives who are worried about someone who fears fleeing a domestic violence situation.

Such situations are complicated: Often, people are concerned about what could happen to their children and pets if they try to leave. The center can help them find a way to cope and perhaps make an exit plan.

President Julie Myner said last year, "We can give them the tools to keep themselves safe and tools to begin exit planning in case of violence."

The center noted troubling statistics: in the United States, every 12 hours, someone is shot and killed by a current or former intimate partner. Intimate partner homicides spiked by 22 percent from 2018 through 2022.

About The Walk

At the walk, Mayra Soltren, a Domestic Violence Victim Advocate at the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, will be honored as the 2024 Law Enforcement Hero.

"As a bilingual advocate, Soltren builds trust and strong relationships with victims by approaching each case with compassion, diligence, and expert guidance, supporting victims in and out of the courtroom," said the center in a release.

The walk is rain or shine, and check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. It takes place at Van Saun Park, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus. Meeting location at Parking Lot 9, Pavilion I.

Find out more about the walk and how to support it here.

Since 1976, Center for Hope & Safety has been providing a safe haven and critical support services for domestic violence survivors and their children. Their free, confidential hotline operates 7 days a week, 365 days a year: (201) 944-9600 or https://www.hopeandsafetynj.or...

Where To Get Help

In an emergency, call 911.

In Bergen County, to talk about domestic violence services, plans, and housing, call (201) 944-9600 or visit: https://www.hopeandsafetynj.org/.

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 is here, and other information on how to protect oneself legally in New Jersey is here.