On Thursday evening, numerous candles illuminated the North Bergen Public Library as HUDSON S.P.E.A.K.S. Against Sexual Violence, in collaboration with local partners, hosted a powerful vigil in observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Themed “Together We Act, United We Change,” the event united survivors, advocates, public officials, and community members in a collective stand against sexual violence.
The candlelight vigil honored survivors, remembered lives lost to sexual violence, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to justice and healing. The event featured support from local organizations, including Sarah’s Daughters, CarePoint Health, Hudson Pride Center, and the Hudson County Coalition.
“Sexual violence continues to rise,” said Bishnu Maya Pariyar, Program Director at HUDSON S.P.E.A.K.S. Against Sexual Violence. “But eliminating it is possible. By fighting together, we can end sexual violence and empower survivors to live with happiness and freedom.”
Captain Javier Toro of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit highlighted the urgency. “Sexual assault is significantly underreported. Every 68 seconds, someone is assaulted in the U.S., yet only a fraction of incidents are reported,” he stated. “We need larger platforms to educate and empower our communities.”
During the program, attendees lit candles and stood in silence—many for someone they knew, others for themselves or their community. The atmosphere was both somber and hopeful, as organizers emphasized the importance of public engagement in ending violence and provided resources for survivors seeking justice, privacy, and support.
The evening featured a moving performance by Grammy-nominated vocalist and advocate Keilana, who blended her musical artistry with a powerful message on mental health and domestic violence. A board member of Women Speaking Out, Keilana has become a national voice for survivor empowerment.
The vigil concluded with a shared promise: to stand by survivors, hold perpetrators accountable, and end all forms of violence.
“Let’s unite for this mission,” Pariyar said. “We’re stronger together—and change isn’t just possible; it’s something we must make happen.”
Rajan Kafle
View More PostsRajan Kafle is a Nepali photojournalist now based in New York. He began his career in video journalism during Nepal's 2006 democratic movement. Kafle has worked for various media outlets in Nepal, including Nepal Television and Kantipur Television. He served as the official photographer for the office of the Prime Minister of Nepal from 2019 to 2021. He has been recognized for his contributions to the field with several awards.
