State’s Attorney’s Office Hosts Women Empowerment Event

From the Lake County State's Attorney's Office: Since 2012, women and men alike have been part of One Billion Rising, a global movement to end rape and sexual violence against women. Lake County State’s Attorney Michael G. Nerheim is pleased to announce that his office, in conjunction with Nicasa Behavioral Health Services, is hosting LAKE COUNTY RISING 2018: Solidarity, our community’s recognition that violence against women must not be tolerated. “Public events such as this send an important message to victims of abuse,” stated Nerheim. “By coming together as a community, we send a strong message to those who have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault that they are not alone; there are scores of people who will stand for them and with them, and are committed to eradicating violence of all kinds.”

This free event will be held on Thursday, February 15 at the Round Lake Beach Civic Center located at 2007 Civic Center Way in Round Lake Beach. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with a community resource fair. Lake County leaders will share their personal reasons for rising in support of women’s empowerment. Keynote speaker Charlene Quint of Quint Law Offices will share a personal story on behalf of victims of abuse. In a show of solidarity, Detective Matt Thornton of the Zion Police Department, who founded the nonprofit organization My Father’s Business, will bring a male perspective on these issues. The evening will conclude with performers from Barrington’s Bataille Academie of the Danse.

Former Round Lake Beach trustee Judy Armstrong spearheaded Lake County’s first organization of this initiative, and she led it through 2016. “I pray for the day domestic violence will end and look forward to the strength, energy, and hope that emanates with Lake County Rising. February 15 promises to bring us together in solidarity and determination to end domestic abuse.”

Community organizations lending support to this cause include the YWCA of Lake County, A Safe Place for Help, Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center, and Consumer Credit Union. For additional information, contact event chairperson Sandra Bankston at 847-377-3184.

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