Domestic violence survivor to speak at ECC on Oct. 24

LaTasha Unseld, speaker, advocate, and survivor of domestic abuse, is the featured speaker for the closing ceremony of the Elgin Community College and Community Crisis Center’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. in the Seigle Auditorium, Building E, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Admission is free and open to the public.

“We all have a responsibility to not be silent, to be observant, and to look out for one another,” said Megan Highland, student life coordinator. “We all play a vital part in the effort to educate about domestic violence and to be supportive advocates for victims and survivors.”

Silence Hides Violence: A Survivor’s Journey is the story of Unseld fight for survival and tranquility. She shares her testimony in hopes of inspiring victims not to give up and to find their purpose. Her message to abuse survivors is, “Don’t give up, live, love you, discover who you were meant to be, and be liberated!”

“It’s incredibly important to have domestic violence and sexual assault awareness programming on college campuses. It engages the students and community together in conversations about these issues and fosters a safe and supportive environment for advocacy and healing,” says Highland. Following the presentation, a candlelight vigil to honor those lost to domestic violence will be held.

Members of the community are also invited to view the Clothesline Project, a silent witness display that shares stories of victims and those killed by abusive partners. The Clothesline is made up of t-shirts created by survivors of violence, or created in honor of someone who has experienced abuse. The exhibit will be on display on Tuesday, Oct. 22, and Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the International Lounge in Building F.

Counselors, social workers, and other professionals may receive 1.5 free continuing education units (CEU) for attending the presentation. ECC’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities are sponsored by ECC’s Office of Student Life and the Community Crisis Center of Elgin. For more information on the events, contact student life at 847-214-7370 or the Community Crisis Center at 847-697-2380.

Contact: Elissa Kojzarek

Communications Specialist

Office: 847-214-7828

Email: news@elgin.edu

Elgin Community College (ECC) is a comprehensive public community college, one of 48 statewide. ECC serves approximately 15,000 students each year. Programs of study include 25 major fields for university transfer, more than 130 career-oriented, occupational degrees and certificates, corporate and continuing education, and a full complement of pre-collegiate courses. The three-year graduation rate exceeds the national average and the average of peer colleges. ECC awards more than 2,200 degrees and certificates each year.

ECC NEWS MEDIA PROTOCOL

All members of the media should utilize the public relations department as the first point of contact. The communications specialist, may be reached at 847-214-7828, or news@elgin.edu. All Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests must be submitted in writing to Marilyn Prentice, compliance officer, at mprentice@elgin.edu or via fax at 847-214-7375. This release is the official newshead for Elgin Community College. Any information received on behalf of ECC not on this newshead should be disregarded.