Buckner Highlights Resources for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

CHICAGO – For Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, state Rep. Kam. Buckner, D-Chicago, is drawing attention to resources available for survivors of domestic violence.

“Domestic violence is an urgent issue and any person can face domestic violence, no matter who they are or what their background is,” said Buckner. “Absolutely no one should be subjected to domestic abuse. We want those who may be experiencing domestic violence to know that they are not to blame and there are resources to help them escape these situations.”

According to the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ILCADV), one in three women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lives. Signs of domestic violence include emotional, physical and sexual abuse that features intimidation, coercion and threats centered on the control and power of the abuser according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline reports. Impacts from domestic violence are wide-ranging according to 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. ILCADV reports that direct healthcare costs from domestic violence total over $4 billion annually across America and nearly $2 billion additionally is lost economically due to domestic violence injuries and deaths.

The following free resources are available 24 hours per day, seven days per week for people experiencing domestic violence 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 thehotline.org
• the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline at 866-331-9474, by texting loveis to 866-331-9474, or with online chat service at loveisrespect.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 experiencing domestic violence including colleagues, family members and friends even though the signs may not always be easy to recognize,” Buckner said. “Each of us should take the time to become familiar with signs of domestic violence and the resources available for victims in order to ensure that those experiencing domestic violence get the help they deserve.”