Crisis Center Kicks Off Efforts For Domestic Violence Awareness Month

TINLEY PARK, IL — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence does not discriminate; it knows no boundaries or limitations.

In the past year, there have been numerous local tragedies in the spotlight related to domestic violence, but incidents like these happen every day in local communities and across the country, the agency said.

Domestic violence accounts for 15 percent of all violent crimes, and in the U.S. an average of 24 people each minute are victims of physical violence, rape, or stalking by an intimate partner. The Crisis Center for South Suburbia is working harder than ever to prevent these tragedies from happening, and support those that survive them.

"The need for prevention education is as great as the need for services to support victims of domestic violence," said Pam Kostecki, Executive Director. "We hope the activities and awareness events we have planned in October can help save lives. That’s why the Crisis Center exists."

Throughout October, events are planned to increase awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence in our community and the services that exist to support survivors. The national theme for 2024, Heal, Hold, Center, builds on the idea of healing, holding, and centering survivors while raising awareness and uplifting the voices and experiences of survivors. Events to increase awareness include:

• Turning your porchlight purple for Domestic Violence Awareness: all month
• Viewing of the Silent Witness display at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, Orland Park – October 18-20
• Bremen Township Women’s Wellness Walk – 115350 Oak Park Ave. Tinley Park – October 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.n.

Raising funds to support programs and services is also a priority in October as the Crisis Center hopes to raise $50,000 this month – with the help of a matching gift from BMO of up to $25,000. Anyone can donate and learn more at www.crisisctr.org. A gift of just $56 will cover one week of meals for one domestic violence survivor in our emergency shelter.

Staff and volunteers are working hard to spread the news about other ways community members can help during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Some include shopping at Neat Repeats Resale stores in Orland Park and Worth, hosting an event with friends or coworkers to collect gift cards and other needed items, and supporting local Tinley Park businesses like Soundgrowler Brewing Co. that are donating a portion of sales throughout the month.

Last year, the Crisis Center for South Suburbia provided over 32,000 hours of service to 3,455 individuals experiencing domestic violence. Free services include a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, housing, counseling, advocacy, prevention, and education.

For more information on Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities, or how you can be a lifeline for a victim of domestic violence, call 708- 429-7255 or visit www.crisisctr.org.

If you or someone you love is a victim of domestic violence, call our 24/7 hotline at 708-429-SAFE (7233).