Bergen County's Alternatives to Domestic Violence (ADV) operates Prevention Through Education (PTE) services, providing free educational workshops and programming to Bergen County residents about domestic violence and dating abuse. Educational programming includes topics on the prevalence and warning signs of domestic violence and dating abuse, how to detect signs of unhealthy relationships around us, and how to safely engage individuals and families in helpful resources.

Our PTE educational programming is available via interactive presentation, workshop, and roundtable event formats. All events can be customized by PTE educators for different audience groups and settings. 

Workshops for Middle School & High School Students
Did You Know?

• Approximately 1 in 3 young people will be in an abusive or unhealthy relationship. 
• Young people, ages 16-24, experience the highest rate of relationship violence of all age groups. 
• Abusive or violent behavior often begins between 6th and 12th grade.  

Studies have shown that prevention education programs can: 
1) Help change belief systems and attitudes around dating violence! 
2) Empower bystanders to provide helpful support to students! 
3) Teach youth how to stay safe and healthy in romantic relationships! 

Ready to start the conversation? ADV is here to help! We invite your school to schedule interactive and customizable workshops for students at no charge. Take a look at our latest catalog of workshops for teens, educators, and technical assistance services for middle school and high school administrators.  
Request a workshop through our online form or contact our Community Education and Outreach Coordinator, Sian Millard, by calling (201) 336-7526.

Workshops for College Students and Young Adults
Did you know? 

• 57% of college students who experienced dating abuse said it happened in college. 
• Almost 2 out of 3 college students say it’s difficult to know what to look for. 
• Only 1 in 3 college students know where to go to for help. 

ADV’s PTE staff is available to work in partnership with Bergen County universities and colleges, Offices of Violence Prevention, and community programs to develop creative and engaging solutions to violence affecting our youth and young adults. Our PTE staff have developed workshops and curriculums centered on the topics of: 

• Dating Abuse 101 
• Detecting the Warning Flags of Abuse 
• Bystander Intervention Training 
• Tips & Strategies for Effective Advocacy 

We are also available to lend our presence to your onsite or virtual events and provide participants with information, resources, and support. Request a workshop through our online form or contact our Community Educator, Laura Melendez, by calling (201) 336-7579.

Community Education and Outreach Activities
Did you know? 

• An incident of domestic violence occurs approximately every 8 minutes in the state of New Jersey. 
• Nearly 3 out of 4 (74%) Americans personally know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence. 
• Some of the most common reasons victim give for not being able to ask for help is fear of the abuser’s violence, fear of not being believed, and fear of not being helped.  

Our PTE staff is constantly on the lookout for opportunities to reach out to local residents and communities to increase awareness of domestic violence, dating abuse, stalking, and other types of intimate partner violence in order to bridge more people to critical help. We also provide training to individuals and groups on how to be influential positive bystanders, advocates, and supporters of abuse victims.  

Our staff are available to deliver these messages and training through tailored presentations, discussions, or both digital and paper literature and materials at your next club, PTA, place of workshop, or community event. 

Ready to Take the Next Step? To schedule an educational workshop or to request our presence at your next event, please contact our Community Education and Outreach Coordinator, Sian Millard, by calling (201) 336-7526, emailing requests to [email protected], or submitting our online request form.  

Healthy Relationship Consultations
For persons who are looking to ask questions or reflect on relationships issues in a non-judgmental, confidential setting—our Healthy Relationship Consultations may be a good fit! Our Healthy Relationship Consultations are free, educational, one-time sessions for individuals or small groups who are looking for clarity or constructive feedback about past or current relationships. They are also open to community members who are harboring concerns and are looking for ways to support a loved one on their journey towards healthier dynamics.   

To set up an appointment, persons can fill out our sign-up form or contact our Community Educator, Laura Melendez by calling (201) 336-7579. Consultations are available in-person in our offices or virtually through secure ZOOM video calls. 

For more information about ADV's programs and services, visit our official website. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse in a relationship and wish to speak to someone, please contact ADV's 24/7 Confidential Crisis Hotline: 201-336-7575.

Age Groups	Children Adolescents Adults Seniors
Community Services	Community Community Education Education Charter School Colleges & Universities Private School Professional Education / Training Public School
Health Services	Crisis / Safety Domestic Violence
Payment Options	Free
Language Spoken	Korean Spanish
Areas Served	Bergen County

Last Updated: 09/07/23