Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed every October to not only bring awareness but also educate individuals. While many think obtaining an Order of Protection for domestic violence you must be physically assaulted, that is not the case. Domestic violence can be in the form of financial abuse, verbal abuse, isolation, controlling or manipulating, and even stalking, explains Western Illinois Regional Council Domestic Violence Legal Advocate and Counselor Rocio Rendon:
“They start trying to keep them away from family members and friends. Of course, the abuser is going to hide it as they just want the best for you, that person is not the best for you, and they know best. As soon as you start hearing things like that, you have to really think about if it could domestic violence. Most of the time if definitely is. Stalking is definitely more of when it is an acquaintance or just somebody that don’t even actually know. Sometimes some people tend to get a certain obsession maybe towards others and it doesn’t even have to be a romantic one. There has to be no relationship there with family ties, dating wise, all of that would be considered under the stalking Order of Protection. Also, the thing with the stalking, there has to be two incidences and that would be two different dates.”
The free and confidential Victim Services hotline and be reached 24/7 at 309-837-5555. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
