Village Of New Lenox: 'One Thing: Speak Up, Speak Out' In Support Of Domestic Violence Prevention Awareness Month

NEW LENOX, IL — The New Lenox Safe Community Coalition and its Domestic Violence Prevention Task Group will host a free educational event, "One Thing: Speak Up, Speak Out," in support of Domestic Violence Prevention Awareness Month.

The event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Oct. 3 at Lincoln-Way West High School, 21701 Gougar Road in New Lenox. Representatives who provide domestic violence/domestic violence prevention services will be on hand from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., so people should arrive early to visit their tables. The Keynote Speaker and Panel Discussion will be held in the auditorium from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Keynote Speaker - Rachel D. Miller, LMFT

Miller is a licensed couple and family therapist, adjunct professor, and a PhD candidate at Adler University. Her research focuses on the needs of children who experienced the combination of domestic violence and high conflict divorce/custody.

As a domestic violence survivor herself whose children lived this and a therapist who works with this population, her research is both professionally and personally significant.

Miller is also the founder of “Hold the Vision Therapy,” a private practice in Chicago, where she works with individuals, couples, and families throughout Illinois and Indiana to build healthy, thriving relationships.

Millers’s presentation will define and recognize domestic violence, explain how family courts are used, explain why the community should care and what’s needed to prevent domestic violence.

Panelist - Amirrah Abou-Youssef, MA, CDVP

Abou-Youssef currently serves as the coordinator for the 12th Judicial District Family Violence Coordinating Council. She received her bachelor's of science in psychology with a minor in gender and women’s studies from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign in 2010. She completed her Master's of Arts in marriage and family therapy from Adler University in 2012.

Abou-Youssef has worked in family violence for over 10 years in the Will County community. She is a certified domestic violence professional and currently sits on the board of directors for the Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional, Inc.

Abou-Youssef will talk about her experience working with children, how domestic violence affects children, and how the community can play a role in keeping children safe.

Panelist - Erin Hanrahan

Hanrahan is a licensed clinical social worker. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Eastern Illinois University and her Master’s degree in social work from Saint Louis University in Missouri.

Hanrahan has 23 years of clinical practice working in the fields of community outpatient mental health, substances abuse and domestic violence.

In 2019, Hanrahan became the intimate partner violence assistance program coordinator at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, which provides comprehensive services to veterans, their partners/caregivers and VA employees impacted by intimate partner violence. She is a White Ribbon VA Facility Champion working to eliminate sexual harassment, sexual assault and domestic violence by promoting a positive culture change, and joining the movement of men and boys working to end violence against women and girls, and promote gender equity and healthy relationships.

During her presentation, Hanrahan will explain the Hines Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP) and the Strength at Home (SAH) Programs.

Panelist - Ariel Ruttenberg

Ruttenberg, LCPC, is the police social worker for the New Lenox Police Department. She is the first and only police social worker for the department, having developed the position from the ground up, and is currently one of five police social workers working within Will County.

Ruttenberg will be discussing her role within the New Lenox Police Department with regard to survivors of domestic violence, domestic-related incidents, courtroom advocacy, orders of protection, the investigation process, linkage to community resources and other services she provides through the NLPD.

No registration is needed for this event. For additional information, contact Daniel Martin, Safe Community Coordinator, Village of New Lenox, via email dmartin@newlenox.net or by phone (815) 462-6493.

This press release was produced by the Village of New Lenox. The views expressed here are the author’s own.