New Milford Hosts 7th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Symposium
New Milford, NJ – Protecting survivors of intimate partner violence and their families remains a top priority in New Milford and across every community. Nationally, an act of domestic violence occurs every seven and a half minutes, and nearly 20 people experience abuse by an intimate partner every minute. Tragically, most of these incidents go unreported.
“When you think you’re going to die, time stops,” said survivor Carissa Murray, who shared her story on October 22nd at the 7th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Symposium in New Milford. “Only the next few seconds matter, and those seconds can change your entire life,” she said.
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, New Milford Councilman Matthew Seymour—founder of both New Milford’s and Bergen County’s first Domestic Violence Awareness Symposia—organized and moderated the event, as well as another countywide symposium at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center that was held on October 24th.
Councilman Seymour created the Symposium in 2019 to connect survivors and their families with vital resources and services. “Intimate partner violence is a danger to everyone—regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation,” Councilman Seymour said. “It affects us all. Let’s come together as a community to raise awareness and help survivors get the support and help they need,” he said.
This year’s New Milford Symposium focused on “Digital Empowerment: Confronting Tech Abuse Through Knowledge and Awareness.” Survivors shared personal experiences, and Councilman Seymour led a roundtable discussion among leading representatives from law enforcement, government, and social service agencies engaged in domestic violence prevention and intervention. “This year, we addressed online safety and, in particular, how to stay safer on social media,” said Councilman Seymour, who has organized and moderated the Symposium since its inception. “Technology-facilitated abuse is a growing and deeply troubling trend in intimate partner violence,” he said.
New Milford Mayor Michael Putrino, a father of two daughters, emphasized the importance of education. “Digital safety is something we don’t talk about enough, yet it’s critical to protecting survivors because abuse often continues online long after it ends in person,” he said.
“I was honored to join New Milford’s Domestic Violence Awareness Symposium and witness a community take bold, compassionate action,” said Bergenfield Mayor Arvin Amatorio. “Mayor Putrino and Councilman Seymour are leading with purpose ensuring that survivors have support, dignity and a voice,” he said. Mayor Amatorio added, “This challenge exists in every town, including Bergenfield, and we are committed to the same mission. Inspired by New Milford’s efforts, we will continue strengthening our partnerships, expanding awareness, and making sure that every resident knows they are not alone. Domestic violence has no boundaries and neither should our resolve to end it,” he said.
Alexis Ruhlen, another survivor, highlighted the evolving nature of abuse in the digital age.
“Technology has changed the way we connect—but also the way abusers’ control,” Ruhlen said. “We must catch up as a society by teaching digital boundaries, supporting survivors, and holding abusers accountable not only for what they do physically but also for what they do behind a screen.”
Lil Corcoran, Executive Director of the Women’s Rights Information Center, reinforced the value of education and community collaboration. “Information about intimate partner abuse can save lives and equip our community to safely intervene,” Corcoran said. “The Symposium represents a coordinated community response to domestic violence, which unfortunately still affects thousands of Bergen County residents.”
Other participants included representatives from the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office, Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, Bergen County Alternatives to Domestic Violence (ADV), New Milford Police Department, Center for Hope and Safety, YWCA Northern NJ healingSPACE, Never Alone Again Resource Center, Women’s Rights Information Center, and Northeast NJ Legal Services. The panel also featured retired Superior Court Judge Terry Paul Bottinelli, J.S.C., and Savvy T. Darragh, Esq., North Arlington Municipal Prosecutor and family law attorney.
Since founding the original New Milford Symposium in 2019, Councilman Seymour has significantly expanded his leadership in violence prevention education. His initiatives now include seven annual Symposia in the Borough of New Milford, four at Ramapo College of New Jersey, and two Mental Health Awareness Symposium at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center that focused on the emotional and psychological impacts of intimate partner violence.
The Bergen County Domestic Violence Awareness Symposium, which was held at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center on October 24th, focused on improving access to resources across all communities. “Intimate partner abuse affects every community,” Councilman Seymour said. “By raising awareness through these symposia, we can reduce stigma and better educate the public.”
Councilman 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.
A full recording of last week’s New Milford Symposium is available on the New Milford Public School District’s YouTube channel. Councilman Seymour encouraged residents to watch, share, and help spread awareness. “Together, we can end abuse and intimate partner violence,” Councilman Seymour said.
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For more information, please contact New Milford Councilman Matthew Seymour, Esq., the New Milford and Bergen County Symposia Organizer & Moderator, at mseymour@newmilfordnj.gov
