Fort Lee Safety Planning: Resources for Residents of Bergen County’s Gold Coast
This hub is for people in Fort Lee and Bergen’s “Gold Coast” communities including Edgewater, Cliffside Park, Palisades Park, Ridgefield, Leonia, Englewood, Tenafly, and Fairview. Bergen County’s seat is Hackensack, where several countywide victim resources are based.
Important: This is a safety resource page—not legal advice. If you need to file a restraining order or learn official court steps, use NJ Courts’ Domestic Violence self-help page. If you need divorce document preparation or mediation structure (non-emergency), call/text 201-205-3201.
Fastest help: 24/7 Bergen County hotlines
- Bergen County Alternatives to Domestic Violence (ADV) – 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 201-336-7575
- Center for Hope & Safety (Bergen County) – 24/7 Hotline: 201-944-9600
- NJ Statewide DV Hotline (24/7): 1-800-572-SAFE (7233)
Official court guidance (NJ Courts)
If you’re considering a restraining order (TRO/FRO) or want to understand court steps, use the official NJ Courts pages:
Avoid “DIY legal advice” online. Follow official instructions and speak to an advocate or attorney if you can.
Fort Lee safety planning (practical, calm steps)
General safety information only. Use a hotline advocate for personalized planning.
Step 1 — Pick a “safe contact” and a check-in plan
Choose one person who will answer the phone. Share where you are and a simple check-in time.
Step 2 — Save hotlines under a neutral name
If privacy is a concern, save numbers as something non-obvious (e.g., “Health Office”).
Step 3 — Create a quick “go bag” if it’s safe to do so
Think: ID, keys, phone/charger, essential meds, a small amount of cash, copies/photos of important documents.
Step 4 — Document what you can (only if safe)
Keep a short timeline (dates + brief descriptions). Store it somewhere the other party can’t access.
Step 5 — Use advocates for shelter, safety planning, and court navigation
Advocates can help you plan the safest route for the next 24–72 hours and connect you to shelter and support options.
Bergen County “Gold Coast” resource directory (Fort Lee-area)
Bergen County Alternatives to Domestic Violence (ADV)
24/7 Hotline: 201-336-7575
Center for Hope & Safety (formerly Shelter Our Sisters)
24/7 Hotline: 201-944-9600
Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office – Office of Victim-Witness Advocacy (Hackensack)
Phone: 201-646-2057
NJ Courts Domestic Violence Self-Help (Official)
New Jersey Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7)
Phone: 1-800-572-SAFE (7233)
FAQs: Fort Lee safety planning & Bergen County support
1) I’m in Fort Lee—do I have to go to Hackensack to get help?
Not necessarily. Start with a 24/7 hotline (ADV or Center for Hope & Safety). They can help you plan and connect you to the safest next steps.
2) Can I get help without staying in a shelter?
Yes. Many survivors use non-residential support: safety planning, advocacy, counseling referrals, and court navigation help.
3) What’s the safest “first call” for Bergen County?
Bergen County ADV’s 24/7 hotline: 201-336-7575.
4) Where do I find official restraining order steps and forms?
Use NJ Courts’ Domestic Violence self-help page: njcourts.gov.
5) Can I bring someone with me to court or appointments?
Often, yes—an advocate, friend, or family member can help with safety and support. Confirm details with the advocate program and court instructions.
6) Are you a law firm? Do you provide emergency DV services?
No. 345Divorce is not a law firm and we are not an emergency DV provider. For emergencies call 911. For 24/7 DV support call ADV or Center for Hope & Safety. We provide divorce document preparation and mediation structure support (non-emergency).