Chances are high that everyone knows at least one person who has been impacted by domestic violence. That is one of many reasons why nonprofit counseling and advocacy organizations increase their awareness efforts during the month of October, which is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Victim Services, a program of Western Illinois Regional Council-Community Action Agency (WIRC-CAA), is increasing their outreach efforts to reassure survivors that they are not alone and share free resources that are available to them.
Victim Services has planned several activities in collaboration with local organizations and businesses during the month of October. On October 12, Victim Services will have an awareness and outreach table at Forgottonia Brewing, 324 N Lafayette, Macomb, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. during their Trivia Night. Drumming Out Domestic Violence, a free POUND class that doubles as an awareness event, will be held at Make Fit Happen, 1208 North Lafayette, Macomb, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on October 18. Pet owners and anyone who loves animals are welcome to attend the Pets Against Domestic Violence event on Saturday, October 21 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon at the Jackie & Dave Thompson Dog Park, 869 South Ward Street, Macomb.
Victim Services officials added they are grateful for continued support from Western Illinois University (WIU), who is once again collaborating with them for two awareness events: The Clothesline Project and Take Back the Night March & Rally. The Clothesline Project is an emotional art display that showcases t-shirts designed by survivors of abuse or loved ones of survivors who have died as a result of violence. The display can be viewed at the WIU Multicultural Center from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on October 23. On October 26, WIU will once again host Take Back the Night March & Rally, starting at 5:00 p.m. in front of Sherman Hall. After a presentation with guest speakers, participants are invited to walk as a group from Sherman Hall to Chandler Park where survivors will be invited to share their stories in a safe space.
Purple ribbons will also be displayed in several communities in Hancock, Henderson, McDonough, and Warren counties. Purple is the official color of domestic violence awareness.
At all of their events, Victim Services counselors will be available to anyone who wants to have a confidential conversation.
“Domestic violence is often thought of by some as only being physical, but it also includes child neglect and psychological, financial and elder abuse,” said Community Services & Public Relations Director Jamie Roth. “It is often difficult for survivors to leave their situation because of financial issues or threats of harm to pets or other household members if they do so. We host these events to remind survivors they are not alone in their struggle and to raise awareness of these crimes with the public.”
WIRC-CAA Victim Services provides confidential crisis counseling and advocacy to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and/or stalking in multiple western Illinois counties. All services are free to survivors and their loved ones. If you have experienced abuse at any point in your life, call Victim Services’ 24/7 crisis hotline at 309-837-5555. WIRC-CAA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
***Courtesy of Western Illinois Regional Council-Community Action Agency***
