New Milford, NJ – An act of domestic violence occurs every seven and a half minutes in the United States. Law enforcement can help, but it takes a village to truly make a difference.

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.” Domestic violence survivors will share their personal experiences and New Milford Council President Matt Seymour will moderate a roundtable discussion among top professionals engaged in domestic violence prevention and intervention.

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. No pre-registration is required.

“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 Lieutenant Scott Petrie of the New Milford Police Department, 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 & 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 Along 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.

“Intimate partner violence is an ever-present danger to our families and communities,” Seymour said. “It affects everyone. We’re stronger together, so let’s come together as a community to raise awareness and help survivors get the support and help they need.”

Live-Stream Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/geXTfOJQpjo?si=pJidJ11R6dUh6QP_