WALK TOGETHER Against Domestic Violence - Center for Hope & Safety

October 26, 2024

Van Saun County Park, Paramus NJ

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT PARTICIPATED OR SUPPORTED OUR 9TH ANNUAL WALK IN 2024!

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On October 26, 2024, we held our 9th annual WALK TOGETHER Against Domestic Violence at Van Saun Park in Paramus, NJ during the month of October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Domestic violence happens everywhere, including right here in Bergen County. Ninety percent of Bergen County homicides are linked to domestic violence. In 2023, Center for Hope & Safety served more than 1,600 Bergen County adults and children. Many more are experiencing domestic abuse but are unable to leave for a myriad of reasons.

Our family-friendly 3K walk goes through Van Saun Park. Together as a community, we show our support for those impacted by domestic violence and spread awareness in Bergen County.

We walk for hope, safety and change…

For all the adults and children who are living with abuse
For all the survivors who are on their journey to safety and hope
For all the family members and friends who support those living with domestic violence and survivors
For all the emergency, medical, and mental health professionals who support the path to healing
For all those who have lost loved ones because of domestic violence

Proceeds from the walk support the work of Center for Hope & Safety’s comprehensive suite of services that enable those impacted by domestic violence to rebuild their lives.

2024 Law Enforcement Hero

During the event, we honored Mayra Soltren as the 2024 Law Enforcement Hero. Ms. Soltren is a Domestic Violence Victim Advocate at the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, serving in this role since March 2010.

As a bilingual advocate, Ms. Soltren’s duties include advocating for victims and their positions both in and out of court; providing emotional support to the victims; explaining to the victims the legal and judicial system to enable them to better understand their experience and manage their expectations for dealing with the police, the prosecutor’s office, and the Court; and assisting the victims with support and providing information for additional services that may be available to them.

Ms. Soltren finds a delicate balance between being sensitive to the needs of a victim and working through the challenges within the justice system. She handles each case with compassion, diligence, and expert guidance. She builds a rapport with victims to gain their trust and develops strong relationships with them.

One victim wrote to Ms. Soltren, “THANK YOU for listening, for guidance, for inspiration, for encouragement, for being here. For the difference you made and most importantly for being a part of my journey.”

Ms. Soltren is a strong and dedicated advocate for all victims of domestic violence. Center for Hope & Safety is honored to present her with the 2024 Law Enforcement Hero Award.

Supporter Testimonials

Evolution of the Butterflies have been proud participants of Center for Hope & Safety’s domestic violence awareness walk for several years. Every year we plan, prepare and look forward to getting together with the community for a single purpose in solidarity with survivors, victims, their families and those who no longer have a voice to assure them they are not alone. We walk with the hope of seeing a day when domestic violence has no place in our society.

Janice, Evolution of the Butterflies

We have been proud participants of the Center for Hope & Safety’s Walk for several years. This annual event holds a special place in our hearts as it brings critical awareness to the ongoing issue of domestic violence. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing together as a community to support those affected, and to work toward a future free from abuse. Each step we take is a step closer to ensuring that no one has to endure violence in silence. We are honored to support this cause and encourage others to join in this meaningful walk to make a lasting impact.

Wendy Shen, FLOMO