Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson on Tuesday, Oct. 14, hosted the 24th Annual DiVA Spa event in the Rotunda of Bronx Borough Hall in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Gibson, whose father hailed from Trinidad and Tobago, said the event was held in partnership with Montefiore Einstein, Bronx Care Health Systems, NYC Health+ Hospitals/Jacobi, and the New York Hispanic Cosmetology and Beauty Chamber of Commerce.

The Bronx Borough President said the event, held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., “offered a day of relaxation, rejuvenation, and healing for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.”

She said Bronx residents received free facials, manicures, haircuts, and makeovers, as well as the opportunity to connect with vital services, including counseling, legal aid, and long-term planning resources – “all provided in a safe, welcoming, and affirming space.”

Gibson said this year’s DiVA Spa brought together “a robust network of city agencies, local organizations, and licensed beauty professionals to offer self-care services and access to critical resources.”

She said participants engaged with providers such as Safe Horizon, Violence Intervention Program, Inc., and others who offered on-site support and information.

“For 24 years, DiVA Spa has given survivors a space to feel seen and celebrated, while also receiving the tools, healing, and resources they need to move forward and thrive,” Gibson said.

“Thank you to District Attorney Darcel Clark, and to our partners at Montefiore Einstein, Bronx Care Health Systems, NYC Health+ Hospitals/Jacobi, and the New York Hispanic Cosmetology and Beauty Chamber of Commerce, for their partnership in ensuring our survivors receive the holistic support that they need to continue to be victors and not victims of their circumstances,” she added.

For more information on services for victims and survivors of domestic violence, you can call the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence’s 24-hour hotline number at 1-800-621-HOPE.