Crisis Center Gears Up for Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Crisis Center Gears Up for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (Tinley Park, IL) — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In Illinois, one in three women and one in four men are victims of domestic violence. One in five children have been exposed to intimate partner violence. Domestic violence can impact anyone; it knows no boundaries or limitations.
In the past year, there have been numerous local tragedies in the spotlight related to domestic violence, but incidents like these happen every day in our community and across the country. Domestic violence accounts for 15% of all violence crimes, and in the US nearly 20 people each minute are physically abused by an intimate partner. The Crisis Center for South Suburbia is working harder than ever to prevent these tragedies from happening, and support those that survive them.
Last year, Crisis Center staff provided over 9,000 hours of community education and prevention services. The emergency shelter increased capacity by 54% and now offers 54 beds for those in crisis. The community counseling program for survivors hired additional counselors to better meet the needs of victims and the number of clients increased by 68%.
“The need for prevention education is as great as the need for services to support victims of domestic violence,” said Pam Kostecki, Executive Director, “We hope the activities and awareness events we have planned in October can help save lives. That’s why the Crisis Center exists.”
Throughout October, events are planned to increase awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence in our community and the services that exist to support survivors. One of these events is a community Candlelight Prayer Vigil on October 3rd at 4:00 pm at St. Damian Catholic Church, 5300 155th Street in Oak Forest. Community members are encouraged to attend to remember those who have lost their lives and honor those who are still struggling to break free from domestic violence.
Raising funds to support programs and services is also a priority in October as the Crisis Center hopes to raise over $31,000 this month – $1,000 every day of the month. You can donate and learn more at www.crisisctr.org. A gift of just $50 will cover one night of shelter for a victim of domestic violence.
Staff and volunteers are working hard to spread the news about other ways community members can help during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Some include shopping at Neat Repeats Resale stores in Orland Park and Worth, hosting an event with friends to collect gift cards and other needed items, and supporting local Tinley Park businesses like Popus Gourmet Popcorn and Soundgrowler Brewing Co. that are donating a portion of sales throughout the month.
Last year, the Crisis Center for South Suburbia provided over 32,000 hours of service to 3,741 individuals experiencing domestic violence. Free services include a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, housing, counseling, advocacy, prevention, and education. For more information on Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities, or how you can be a lifeline for a victim of domestic violence, call 708- 429-7255 or visit www.crisisctr.org. If you or someone you love is a victim of domestic violence, call our 24/7 hotline at 708-429-SAFE (7233).
Crisis Center Gears Up for Domestic Violence Awareness Month
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