Harper Highlights Domestic Violence Awareness Month

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is highlighting resources available for victims of domestic violence as Domestic Violence Awareness Month comes to a close.

“Domestic violence can touch people of any background at any time all across our state,” Harper said. “During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it is critical that we recognize that this is more than a personal issue, but a societal issue that demands we take action to support those suffering domestic violence.”

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 include emotional, physical and sexual abuse that features coercion, intimidation and threats centered on the control and power of the abuser. The ILCADV reports that the effects of domestic violence are wide-ranging from health care to economic loss. Abused partners are more likely to experience asthma, heart disease and strokes and domestic violence is 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:

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

“Each of us needs to take the time to become familiar with recognizing the signs of domestic violence because every day there are people we know, including colleagues, family and friends, experiencing domestic violence,” Harper said. “We all need to ensure that victims of domestic violence know there is help available at any time.”

Harper represents the 6th District, which includes all or portions of Armour Square, Bridgeport, Chicago Lawn, Englewood, Gage Park, Back of the Yards, Canaryville, New City, West Englewood, Marquette Park, South Loop and River North.