Welch Highlights Resources for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

HILLSIDE, Ill. – In recognition of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, state Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, is highlighting resources available to people experiencing domestic violence.

“Anyone can experience domestic violence no matter who they are what their background is,” Welch said. “No child, woman or man should experience domestic violence, but it is incumbent on all of us to ensure that those who do experience domestic violence know there are resources available to escape abuse.”

According to the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ILCADV), one in three women and one in three men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Signs of domestic violence include sexual, physical and emotional abuse featuring coercion, intimidation and threats centered on the power and control of the abuser. Research from ILCADV shows that domestic violence has wide-ranging effects on those suffering abuse. Abused partners are more likely to experience strokes, heart disease and asthma and across the country domestic violence causes over $4 billion per year in direct healthcare costs.

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:

• Center for Prevention of Abuse at 800-559-SAFE (800-559-7233)
• 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 thehotline.org
• National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline at 866-331-9474, by texting loveis to 866-331-9474, or loveisrespect.org
• National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673) or hotline.rainn.org

Residents can find local shelters and assistance from Domestic Shelters at domesticshelters.org/help.

“Every single day people we know are experiencing domestic violence, including colleagues, family members and friends,” Welch said. “If each of us takes the time to become familiar with signs of domestic violence and resources available for those experiencing abuse, we can help ensure that no person experiencing domestic violence goes without the help they need and deserve.”