Gordon-Booth Highlights Resources for Domestic Violence Victims

PEORIA, Ill. – As Domestic Violence Awareness Month draws to a close, state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, is highlighting resources available for people experiencing domestic violence.

“Domestic violence can happen to any person no matter who they are or what their background is,” Gordon-Booth said. “We must recognize that domestic violence is more than a personal issue, it demands that we as a society take action to support those experiencing domestic violence.”

One in three women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lives according to the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ILCADV). Signs of domestic violence include emotional, physical and sexual abuse that features coercion, intimidation and threats centered on the control and power of the abuser. Domestic violence has a wide-ranging impact according to data compiled by the ILCADV. Abused partners are more likely to experience asthma, heart disease and strokes and domestic violence is the main cause of injury for women aged 18-44. Direct healthcare costs from domestic violence total over $4 billion annually across the country with another nearly $2 billion in additional economic costs due to domestic violence injuries and deaths.

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 Center for Prevention of Abuse at 800-559-SAFE (800-559-7233)
• 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

“Every day there are people we know including colleagues, family members and friends who are experiencing domestic violence,” Gordon-Booth said. “It is incumbent on each of us to take the time to become familiar with signs of domestic violence and the resources available for victims in order to ensure that no one who is experiencing domestic violence goes without the help they deserve.