Stephanie Koenig

Bergen County

Jamie Gatlin

New York City Metropolitan Area

River Dell

New Jersey

New Milford

Paramus

Westwood-Hillsdale

Teaneck

Fair Lawn-Saddle Brook

Caren Lissner

Ridgewood-Glen Rock

Englewood-Englewood Cliffs

Hasbrouck Heights

Fort Lee

Rockland County

Pearl River

New York

New Milford High School

On October 21, a “village” of leaders from local law enforcement, social service agencies and victims’ advocacy groups will gather at the New Milford High School Auditorium for the 8th
Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Symposium.
This year’s theme is “The Responsibility is Ours: A Discussion of Bergen County’s Coordinated Response to Domestic Violence.” The live event, sponsored by the New Milford Borough, New Milford Police Department, and New Milford Public School District, begins at 6:30 pm and will also be streamed via the district’s YouTube channel.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/geXTfOJQpjo?si=qRr06TUfZpXI4p6V" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">youtube.com/live/geXTfOJQpjo?si=qRr06TUfZpXI4p6V</a>

“We all share a responsibility to work together to prevent intimate partner violence and to help those who have been victimized or otherwise affected,” said Seymour, who has organized and moderated the Symposium since its inception in 2019. “Our goal from the beginning has been to educate the community and connect survivors with vital resources and services.”
“Domestic violence cases are among the most complex matters our system confronts, and no single agency can address them alone,” said Vered Adoni, Chief, Domestic Violence and Bias Crimes, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. “Bringing together law enforcement, prosecutors, the courts, victims’ advocates, service providers, and the community allows us to better protect victims and hold offenders accountable,” she said. Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton added, “Silence protects the abuser. Courage protects the victim. Domestic violence is everyone’s responsibility.”
Adoni and Cureton are among the program’s roundtable panelists, along with Carol Weissman, Esq., Staff Attorney at Northeast NJ Legal Services, and Municipal Prosecutor Savvy Darragh, Esq. Also taking part are:
·Dr. Marisa Heluk, Division Director, Bergen County Alternatives to Domestic Violence. “When we talk about domestic violence, our collective focus must shift from asking what happened to a survivor to asking what our systemic responsibility was at every juncture,” she said. “True community accountability means holding systems, protocols, and professionals responsible so that the burden of safety never rests on the victim alone.”
·Lil Corcoran, Executive Director of the Women’s Rights Information Center. “Information about intimate partner abuse can save lives and equip our community to safely intervene,” she noted. “The Symposium represents a coordinated community response to domestic violence, which unfortunately still affects thousands of Bergen County residents.”
·Katheryn Miller, Lead Staff Attorney with the Center for Hope &amp; Safety. “There is power in community. Together we can help ensure that survivors and their families have the safety, support and opportunity to build a brighter future,” she said. “We observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October to raise awareness, remember those lost, show solidarity with survivors, and raise funds for life-changing services.”
·Dr. Simaza Sadek, Director of YWCA Northern New Jersey’s healingSpace. “Tragically, intimate partner violence often includes sexual violence,” she said. “Breaking the silence helps dispel the shame survivors experience. The Symposium brings us together to raise awareness, unite our voices, and reaffirm our shared commitment to ending violence in all its forms and creating safer, healthier communities for everyone.”
·Stacy de Montagnac, Resource Spokesperson and Ambassador for Never Alone Again. “Advocacy and domestic violence being used in the same sentence is long overdue,” she said. “Society has a responsibility to step up and support those who have suffered without dignity and who need to be heard and validated.”
·Honorable Terry P. Bottinelli, Retired Judge of the New Jersey Superior Court.“When a community stands with survivors it becomes a place where courage grows, hope returns and healing is possible for everyone.”
New Milford Mayor Michael Putrino emphasized the importance of building and strengthening community collaborations. “Our partnerships with our School District and Police Department enable us to reach and hopefully help more residents,” he said. “By working together, we can help families get the help and support they need.”
Peter Galassao, New Milford Superintendent of Schools, noted, “Domestic violence does not stay behind closed doors of one's home, nor does it stop at the school entrance. It sits in our classrooms affecting our children every single day. Whatever action we can take to end this cycle, it is incumbent on every single one of us to do everything in our power to protect, support, and educate.”
Council President Seymour—recipient of the Annual Pro Bono Attorney Service Award—was recognized in 2023 by the New Jersey Judiciary for his groundbreaking work in establishing and expanding Domestic Violence Awareness Symposia throughout Bergen County. “Let’s come together as a community to raise awareness," Seymour said.

Local Event: 8th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Symposium

8th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Symposium

On October 21, a “village” of leaders from local law enforcement, social service agencies and victims’ advocacy groups will...

WHO SAYS HALLOWEEN ONLY COMES ONCE A YEAR?!&nbsp;TWO HALLOWEENS ARE BETTER THAN ONE!&nbsp;Why wait until October 31st when you can kick off the tricks, treats and spooky fun a whole WEEK EARLY?!WASSUP, WITCHES?! Grab your little monsters, dust off those costumes and get ready for a BONUS HALLOWEEN! We're giving the kids TWO chances to dress up, TWO chances to trick-or-treat and DOUBLE the Halloween fun!PARAMUS HALLOWEEN FOOD TRUCK OR TREAT FESTIVAL SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25 | 11 AM–6 PM PARAMUS PARK MALL L.L.Bean / Old Navy Parking Lot, Paramus, NJHERE'S WHAT'S BREWING:TRICK-OR-TREATING AT EVERY TRUCK &amp; BOOTH! Bring those candy bags because our food trucks and vendors will be handing out treats to all the little ghosts and goblins!COSTUME CONTEST WITH CASH PRIZES! Whether you're creepy, kooky, spooky or downright hilarious, come dressed to impress! Individual and group costumes are welcome, so get creative!17 GOURMET FOOD TRUCKS serving up wickedly delicious eats!DJ RAY COLON keeping the party alive with music and entertainment!ADULT BEVERAGE GARDEN with beer, sangria, margaritas and more for the grown-up ghouls!MORE FRIGHTFULLY FUN ACTIVITIES! • Pony Rides &amp; Petting Zoo • Miniature Golf • Face Painting • Sand Art • Knockerball • Bounce House &amp; Slide • Local Vendors • And plenty more spooky surprises!MEET OUR FOOD TRUCK BOO CREW!Angry Archies • Brownie Bar • Clyde's Italian Ice • Cubita Truck • El Lechon de Negron • Empanada Mania • Hold My Knots • Johnny Zeppoli • Kielbasa N More • Kimchi Smoke • Little Sicilian • Mac Truck NYC • The Mozzarella God • Nourish Nook • The Quarry • Rolling Pita • Señor Tacos • Uncle Sal's EggrollsHELP US SCARE AWAY HUNGER!We're asking everyone to bring a non-perishable canned or boxed food item to help support the local food pantry. Let's fill those shelves and make a difference for families in need. A little kindness goes a long way!ADMISSION: $5 | KIDS UNDER 5 FREE!FREE PARKING!Paramus Park Mall – L.L.Bean / Old Navy Parking Lot, Paramus, NJONE COSTUME. TWO HALLOWEENS. DOUBLE THE CANDY. DOUBLE THE FUN!Why settle for just one Halloween when your little monsters can celebrate TWICE?!Bring the whole BOO CREW, come hungry, come thirsty and get ready to EAT, DRINK &amp; BE SCARY!Don't ghost us! This is one Halloween party you won't want to miss!Because one Halloween just isn't enough!&nbsp;

Local Event: Paramus Halloween Food Truck or Treat Festival

Paramus Halloween Food Truck or Treat Festival

WHO SAYS HALLOWEEN ONLY COMES ONCE A YEAR?! TWO HALLOWEENS ARE BETTER THAN ONE! Why wait until October 31st when you can kick...

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8th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Symposium

Paramus Halloween Food Truck or Treat Festival