Reminder: Help Available If You’re Threatened By An Intimate Partner

~ Contributed by the Crisis Center for South Suburbia

According to the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men are victimized by a domestic partner. Domestic violence in a well-known grocery in Evergreen Park, is the latest example of a horrible act of violence at the hands of someone they once loved. This senseless and deadly shooting has shattered the lives of a young woman’s family, friends and coworkers.

Domestic violence can impact anyone. It’s all about exerting power and control over another person and it’s not OK. There is never just one victim, the presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500 percent.

The Crisis Center for South Suburbia is here to support victims of domestic violence, including children and young adults. We work hard to secure orders of protection and provide free counseling and shelter, but as a community we must be vigilant and watch for signs of domestic violence. We need to be there when someone is in trouble before another life is lost or traumatized.

Domestic abuse can be complicated and signs are often hard to see from the outside. It is time, as a society, we educate ourselves on what health relationships look like for everyone. Help break the silence and stigma wrongfully associated with cases of domestic violence. Our society and communities will be better off for everyone.

If you are a victim of domestic violence and don’t feel safe, we are here to help. If you feel isolated and alone because someone is controlling you, call our 24-hour hotline for support, emergency shelter, resources, or just to talk. Our help and all of our services are free and confidential. Call 708-429-SAFE (7233), or visit the Crisis Center for South Suburbia.

Services are available to all genders, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The Crisis Center serves all of south suburban Cook and eastern Will counties.

Here are more numbers to call for support:

Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Helpline (877) 863-6338
TTY 1 (877) 863-6339

National Domestic Violence
Hotline (800) 799-7233
TTY 1 (800) 787-3224