Domestic Violence Council Aims To Empower Church Leaders

LAKE COUNTY, IL -- The Faith Committee of the Lake County Domestic Violence Council will be hosting a free lunch and learn on Thursday, January 31, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Bradbury room at the Waukegan Public Library, 128 North County Street. Recognizing that people facing difficulties in life often turn to their institution of faith for support and guidance, the Faith Committee’s mission is to empower faith communities to intervene and act when family violence is encountered. Institutions of faith are equipped with the tools needed to appropriately refer families to community resources and to create safe environments in their communities, homes and places of worship, according to a news release from the Lake County State's Attorney's Office.

Areas of focus are child abuse, teen dating violence, domestic violence, elder abuse and sexual abuse/sexual assault. The mission of the committee is achieved through monthly meetings that involve networking and resource sharing, along with presentations on the committee’s focus issues.

The efforts complement the Domestic Violence Council, which is chaired by State’s Attorney Michael G. Nerheim. Established in 1994, the Domestic Violence Council is comprised of community stakeholders whose work connects to domestic violence.

The council is committed to raising awareness, promoting prevention and intervention, and facilitating a consistent response to domestic violence in Lake County, according to a news release.

This program is for open to anyone involved in an institution of faith. Leaders and lay members are all welcome and encouraged to attend.

Those wishing to attend can register online here. For questions, contact Sandra Bankston at (847) 377-3184.

PHOTO CAPTION: The Faith Committee of the Lake County Domestic Violence Council will be hosting a free lunch and learn on Jan. 31 at the Waukegan Public Library. PHOTO CREDIT: GoogleMaps