Lilly Draws Attention to Resources for Victims During Domestic Violence Awareness Month

CHICAGO – In recognition of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, state Rep. Camille Y. Lilly is highlighting resources for victims of domestic violence.

“Domestic violence is an urgent and critical issue that touches every part of our state and can happen to any person from any background,” Lilly said. “During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it is imperative that each of us recognize that domestic violence isn’t a personal issue, but a societal issue that demands we take action to support victims and survivors.”

The Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ILCADV) reports that one in three women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lives. Signs of domestic violence according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline include emotional, physical and sexual abuse that features coercion, intimidation and threats centered on the control and power of the abuser. The impacts of domestic violence are wide-ranging according to data compiled by the ILCADV, including abused partners being more likely to experience asthma, heart disease and strokes and domestic violence being the chief cause of injury for women aged 18-44. Economically, ILCADV reports that direct healthcare costs from domestic violence total over $4 billion annually across the country with nearly $2 billion in additional economic costs due to injuries or deaths.

A range of resources exist for people experiencing domestic violence. The following free resources are available 24 hours per day, seven days per week and include confidential support, multilingual advocates, and victim-centered services regardless of disability, ethnicity, gender, income, race, religion or sexual orientation:

• the Illinois Domestic Violence Help Line at 877-TO END DV (877-863-6338)
• the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233) or with online chat service at org
• the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline at 866-331-9474, by texting loveis to 25222, or with online chat service at org
• the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673) or with online chat service at rainn.org

“Each and every day there are people we know experiencing domestic violence, including colleagues, family and friends,” Lilly said. “This October, we all need to take the time to become familiar with the signs of domestic violence and the resources available for victims and survivors so that we can make sure no one experiencing domestic violence goes without the help they need and deserve.”