Woman's Slaying Prompts Domestic Violence Awareness Sessions At Parish

OAK FOREST, IL — The parish of an Oak Forest woman slain by a love interest earlier this month will soon host domestic violence awareness sessions, led by a crisis center specializing in recognizing it and supporting victims.

The fatal stabbing of Lauren Pikor, 30, has heightened the need for discussions and awareness around domestic violence. Leaders at St. Damian Parish, 5300 W. 155th St., have partnered with the Crisis Center for South Suburbia to present Domestic Violence 101 on Sept. 5 and Sept. 14, from 7 to 9 p.m.

The sessions will cover what constitutes domestic abuse in Illinois, forms of abuse, identifying early warning signs and understanding the cycles of abuse. Session leaders will also address what factors keep partners in abusive relationships. Counselors will be available at the events.

"This is why we’re here, this is what we do," said Megan McShane, Director of Clinical Services at the crisis center.

Pikor's Aug. 4 murder has stunned the community where she grew up; the sessions were organized to provide support for those who knew her or others impacted by domestic violence.

Charged in her slaying is Chad Oster, 36, of Tinley Park. Oster and Pikor had a turbulent relationship, according to court documents. In 2021, Oster pleaded guilty to domestic battery after punching Pikor in the throat, taking her phone and locking her in a room to prevent her from calling police.

The events are free to attend, McShane stressed, and open to non-parishioners. The sessions also come after the stabbing of a woman by a romantic interest outside an Orland Park gym Aug. 27. A 43-year-old Chicago Ridge man has been charged with attempted murder and domestic battery in the incident.

Founded in 1979, the crisis center provides outreach services, 24/7 emergency hotline support, emergency shelter 24/7, professional counseling for adults and children free of charge, as well as court advocacy services. More details on their services can be found online.

"We would love it if more people from the surrounding community would come out," McShane said, of the session. "We wanted to reach out, be there, be a support that the community could have.

"We want to be able to support anybody who’s going through it, or who just needs to talk."