Annual Domestic Violence Art Expo returns to Secaucus on Nov. 12th
From Hope Social Services Agency
Domestic Violence Awareness Month ended last month, but one north Jersey organization wants people to know domestic violence still happens every day.
Vanessa Estrada of nonprofit Hope Social Services Agency (HSSA) is the organizer — with the New Jersey Artist Collective — behind the Domestic Violence Art Expo, in which artists who’ve suffered domestic violence show work on the theme as a way to bring attention to the issue and how to deal with it.
The Domestic Violence Art Expo will be tomorrow, Tesday, Nov. 12, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Aloft Secaucus, 460 Harmon Meadow Blvd., Secaucus, New Jersey, 07094.
Estrada said last year’s show had six participating artists who were men, and this year’s (among 21) has three; it’s important to note that domestic violence isn’t just an issue that affects women, Estrada said.
Despite some prevailing cultural idea about what’s incapable of happening to a man who’s “macho” enough, there should be no shame in having dealt with domestic violence or anything else that may make someone seem vulnerable by that lens, Estrada noted.
“A lot of men don’t want to say I suffered domestic violence,” said Estrada.
Her own mother and sister dealt with it, she said; and she started HSSA as part of an anti-bullying campaign because she saw one of her loved ones have to deal with it and the awful effects that bullying can have without help.
In last year’s show, the range of art depicting the experience also brought light to abuse from parents, showing domestic violence isn’t just limited to partners in romantic relationships.
I saw a handful of pieces from last year’s show, and each of them was incredibly evocative. I’ve no doubt this year’s show will have the same caliber of work, and for anyone who appreciates visual arts alone, it should be a notable event on their calendar.
The free event has become an annual one, with this year marking the fourth year. Local officials will be on hand, there’s live music, and everyone is encouraged to attend.
Since 2014, Hope Social Services Agency has built on its founding mission of fighting bullying in all its forms with community outreach efforts.
In 2022, Hope Social Services Agency received a proclamation from then-Hudson County Executive Thomas A. DeGise, which cited HSSA for “a series of activities with children, adults and senior like Childhood Awareness Cancer Month, Breast Cancer Month, Domestic Violence Survivor Month, Food and Coats distribution; Senior Services and Holiday Toy Giveaways.”
Learn more about Hope Social Services Agency at facebook.com/togetheragainstthebullies.