Monday, November 15, 2010

New Anti Bullying committee in Hinsdale

http://triblocal.com/hinsdale/2010/11/15/district-86-launches-anti-bullying-committee/

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Murphy Highlights Domestic Violence Awareness Month

State Sen. Matt Murphy (R-Palatine) is inviting local residents to help raise awareness of domestic violence by taking part in Domestic Violence Awareness Month events being held around the area.

“A community organized response is what makes effective domestic violence prevention,” said Murphy, who chairs the Northwest Suburban Alliance on Domestic Violence (NWSADV). “Far too many families are affected by this crime and it is time for the community to take a positive approach of educating our young adults about domestic violence.”

This year, 16 communities have issued proclamations recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness month to bring greater attention to the problem of violence in the home, which annually impacts more than 200,000 people in Illinois alone. They are – Arlington Heights, Bartlett, Buffalo Grove, Elgin, Hoffman Estates, Hanover Park, Inverness, Lake Barrington, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Prospect Heights, Rolling Meadows, Roselle, Schaumburg, Streamwood and Wheeling.

“Domestic violence impacts the lives of all Americans, leaving a path of destruction for all in its path.,” said State Rep. Sid Mathias (R-Buffalo Grove). “Let us remember that a family’s home is not a place to be filled with fear, hopelessness or desperation. During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we must recommit to ending violence within our homes and our communities, and keep in mind that all individuals have the right to live in peace and dignity.”

Recently, Sen. Murphy received the Partner in Peace Award from the Elgin Community Crisis Center on behalf of his work with the NWSADV, which is a group of elected officials, social service agencies, law enforcement, and community leaders whose mission is to raise awareness and promote the prevention of domestic violence and facilitative services which break the cycle of violence in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago.

“Victims need to know that they are not alone, there are organizations that can help,” said Murphy. “The newly launched NWSADV Web site www.endallabuse.org lists ways to keep you and your loved ones safe.”

The Senator also noted that there are numerous opportunities for people to get involved and make a difference in the fight against domestic violence throughout the month of October –

October 15 – The Family Violence Coordinating Council’s Fall Conference “Holding onto Hope Substance Abuse, Domestic Abuse and the Family,” 8 am to 4:30 pm in Chandlers Grand Ballroom – 401 N. Roselle Road in Schaumburg.

October 20 – Safe From the Start of Northwest Cook County, in collaboration with NWSADV will be displaying the Clothesline Project at the Palatine Opportunity Center (1585 N. Rand Rd.) between 4 pm to 7 pm.

October 22 – The Hoffman-Schaumburg Rotary hosts NWSADV Men’s Initiative on Domestic Violence at 11:30 am at the Poplar Creek Country Club – 1400 Poplar Creek Drive in Hoffman Estates.

October 26 – Hanover Park and WINGS are hosting a domestic violence candlelight vigil at 6 pm at the village hall – 2121 W Lake St in Hanover Park.

October 27 – Presentation on the “Dynamic of Domestic Violence” from 11am to 1 pm in 30 minutes increments at Northwest Community Hospital – 800 West Central Road in Arlington Heights, IL in the conference room 1-6.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Events: Domestic Violence Awareness Month – October 2010 Northwest Suburbs of Chicago

Local Events During Domestic Violence Awareness Month – October

All of October, Between Friends will provide a table of DV information in the Rolling Meadows courthouse "Entrance area"


All of October, Hoffman Estates Department of Health and Human Services offer screenings and no cost consults. 847-781-4850


October 1 Purple Ribbon Tying----Ribbons will be tied on the trunks of the tree's of the Rolling Meadows Court House. The ribbons will stay on the tree's throughout October. (Between Friends) Contact: April Fehrenbacher, ICDVP 847-818-8900


October 6 Between Friends court advocates will be in front of the Rolling Meadows Court House with DV awareness stickers


October 8 Elgin Community Crisis Center Partner In Peace Breakfast 7:30am

Contact: 847-742-4088


October 15 Dress to Express---Wear Purple all day today! Take a picture of your coworkers wearing purple and we will put your pic and your business's link on our webpage during the month of November. (Between Friends)


October 15 Family Violence Coordinating Council Fall Conference “ Holding onto Hope, Substance Abuse, Domestic Abuse and the Family.” 8am -4:30pm Chandlers Banquets Grand Ballroom for More information contact Grayce 847-818-2528


October 20 Safe From the Start of Northwest Cook County, in collaboration with the Northwest Suburban Alliance on Domestic Violence will be displaying the Clothesline Project at the Palatine Opportunity Center (1585 N. Rand Rd.) during the National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. Safe From the Start is a community response dedicated to reduce the trauma of exposure to violence in children ages 0-5 in the communities of Northwest Cook County. The Clothesline Project is a moving and provocative display of personally decorated shirts showing how violence has affected the lives of survivors and their children. Please join us on October 20th between 4-7 PM to view the shirts and find out more information about local domestic violence information and resources. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Laura Rutledge, from the Safe from the Start program at (630) 823-5204.


October 22 NWSADV Men’s Initiative on Domestic Violence keynotes Hoffman –Schaumburg Rotary at Poplar Creek Country Club


October 25 Illinois Domestic Violence Laws Training---This is a training to provide an overview of DV laws for counselors, advocates, crisis line workers, etc. ICDVP credits will be provided. (Between Friends)


October 26 Hanover Park and WINGS are hosting a domestic violence candlelight vigil at 6pm at the village hall. Event is free and open to the public.


October 27 Northwest Community Hospital - presentation on Dynamic of Domestic Violence will be on Oct 27th from 11am to 1pm in 30 minutes increments open to public in the conference room 1-6

Friday, September 10, 2010

Dancing with the Stars champ shoots PSA on Domestic Violence

ET is with "Dancing with the Stars" two-time champ Cheryl Burke as she courageously breaks her silence about domestic violence and shoots a new PSA for the important social cause.

"Well, it's happened to me and it can happen to anyone and I'm just here to be able to tell people that it's very important to be able to talk about it and to reach out to somebody," says Cheryl, who is shooting a promotional spot for The Allstate Foundation's Tell a Gal Pal Campaign.

"I told a gal pal…," Cheryl goes on. "It's really hard to be able to get out of that type of relationship when you're in it. It's hard to see it. It's hard to, just to be able to talk about it. It's not your fault. You kind of feel ashamed that you're actually going through it, but actually you'll be helping yourself more if you're able to reach out to a gal pal."

Other stars who have spoken out against domestic violence include Keira Knightley, Mary J. Blige, Christina Aguilera and Salma Hayek.

For more information, please visit the "Click To Empower" Facebook page. For every pledge, The Allstate Foundation donates one dollar to the National Network to End Domestic Violence. You can also visit ClickToEmpower.org to learn more.

Aside from her courageous campaign, Cheryl also talked to ET about the new season of "Dancing with the Stars" and being partnered up with former NBA champion Rick Fox.

"Rick is doing very good -- He's really loving the whole process," Cheryl says of her much-taller partner. "He's not bad. He's pretty coordinated and he's really serious."

The biggest challenge, according to Cheryl, is dancing with the six-foot, seven-inch tall athlete with her newly made four-inch dancing heels. "It's going to be hard to see eye-to-eye," Cheryl says. "I think that's going to be a challenge."

You can see Cheryl and Rick's Viennese Waltz when "Dancing with the Stars" returns Monday, September 20 on ABC.

Posted September 08, 2010 2:01:00 PM

Monday, August 30, 2010

Walker Works to Raise Awareness of Domestic Violence at Summer Celebrations - Triblocal - Voice of the town

Walker Works to Raise Awareness of Domestic Violence at Summer Celebrations - Triblocal - Voice of the town

State Rep. Mark Walker and the Northwest Suburban Alliance on Domestic Violence are working to raise awareness of domestic violence at events this summer.

“Domestic violence is a devastating crime that affects women, children, and entire families. It degrades the moral fabric of our community, and we must put an end to this crime that often transcends generations,” Walker said. “I am committed to doing all I can to raise awareness so we can stop the cycle of violence and send the message that if you are being abused, there is help, and if you are an abuser, your actions will not be tolerated.”

A leader of the Northwest Suburban Alliance on Domestic Violence, Walker has helped to distribute information about the group’s prevention initiatives at the Arlington Heights National Night Out and the Rolling Meadows Cornfest. In his first 19 months as a legislator, Walker has pushed for tougher laws against abusers.

Walker represents the 66th District, which includes parts of Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village, Mount Prospect, Rolling Meadows, Des Plaines and Schaumburg.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

PALATINE WINGS NEEDS YOUR HELP

Following the tragic loss of the Women in Need Growing Stronger (WINGS) resale shop in Palatine, Illinois State Senator Matt Murphy is assisting in the efforts to restock and open a new location.

A fire was started by the June 18 storms that passed through suburban Cook County and as a result the WINGS resale shop was destroyed. I would ask area residents to consider giving a monetary or clothing article donation to the store as a way of helping the WINGS fund for programs and shelters.

The former WINGS location was at 756 E. Northwest Highway in Palatine. For more information about WINGS, visit their Web site at www.wingsprogram.com.

If you have questions about the organization or donations, please contact WINGS at 847-519-7820. Donations are being accepted daily at a drop off located at 345 North Eric Drive, Palatine.

I am the chair of the Northwest Suburban Alliance on Domestic Violence, an organization whose mission is to raise awareness on preventing domestic violence. For more information about NWSADV, visit www.endallabuse.org.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Fire Devastates Resale Shop

The resale shop that supported local domestic violence shelter: WINGS a total loss after a fire on June 18th.

The WINGS property located at 756 E Northwest Hwy in Palatine Illinois is looking for a new home. Agency director is looking to move the resale shop to temporary location in downtown Palatine.

WINGS is also a member of the Northwest Suburban Alliance. More information on how to support WINGS should become available soon.

To follow all the details, link to:

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=388896

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=7507245



Daily Herald reported on 6/18/10....


The storm ignited a fire that destroyed a Palatine resale shop dedicated to victims of domestic violence, in what authorities believe was caused when lightning struck a transformer on a utility pole on the corner of the building.

Officials with the charity group, Women In Need Growing Stronger, or WINGS, talked Saturday of rebuilding and finding a temporary place to continue.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Suburban Police Department Implements Community Policing

Hanover Park reports on newly implemented community policing initiative know as "Area Response Team," after the string of murders one year ago. To read the entire article published in the Daily Herald link here


Friday, June 4, 2010

Student written Anti-Bullying Slogan Selected

Northwest Suburban State Rep. Mark Walker (Arlington Heights) and the Family Violence Coordinating Council of the Third Municipal Court District in Rolling Meadows recognized area students for participating in an anti-bulling slogan contest.

Students from Arlington Heights' Thomas Middle School received first place honors for their slogan, "Be a Buddy, Not a Bully."

The slogan was printed on book marks and distributed to the winning class.

Other students were recognized for participating in the contest which was printed in the Daily Herald.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Sexting Legislation Sent to Governor for Signature

The Chicago Tribune Reports: SPRINGFIELD — Teens who forward or post online racy pictures of their underage classmates would get juvenile court supervision that could result in mandatory counseling or community service, under legislation sent to Gov. Pat Quinn on Tuesday.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Center Against Sexual Assault honors NWSADV Member

The Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault honored Grayce Gates from the Third District Circuit Court of Cook County during their April 8, annual open house.

Several other community members were honored for outstanding efforts to support CASA's services and dedication to ending sexual violence.

Congrats!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Ban on psychological violence

Tuesday, January 5, 2010
France will become the first country in the world to ban 'psychological violence' within marriage later this year.

Kentucky lawmakers to vote on GPS

Wednesday, January 13, 2010


http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=9529539

Cyberstalking law takes effect as of Jan. 1st

Cyberstalking in Illinois is now against the law since the beginning of Jan. 2010.

Cyberstalking might be a new concept to parents who never envisioned their child being a target to bullies. Different from past generations, school yard bullies now have unlimited access to different forms of technology to communicate with their targets by using social media sites and texting.

I'm afraid to mention that I am just a hair to old to understand the full extent of cyberstalking or cyberbullying. But I am guilty of watching the show "Gossip Girl" which fully illustrates the new world of social communication between teens using text messaging and social media sites.

The problem is what we see on television especially on shows similar to Gossip Girl - where teens gossip about one another has "dramatically escalated" in "real life" - by the form of "bullying and stalking" which in some cases the victims have even taken their own life.

Over forty other states now have provisions of anti-bullying and cyberstalking on their books.

In Illinois cyberstalking is a Class 4 felony as of Jan. 1st according the Illinois General Assembly Web site. The law says the conduct of two or more acts, by any action, method or device or means, follows, monitors or observes, threatens or communicates to or about a person is subject to prosecution if they electronically communicate causing a victim emotional distress (significant mental suffering, anxiety or alarm), harass (engage in a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person that alarms, torments, or terrorizes that person) and non- consensual contact (any contact the victim that is initiated or continued without the victim's consent).

One legal expert who appeared on Good Morning America mentioned there are steps parents can take to talk to their children about this issue:

1. Tell children to get a trusted adult involved as soon as the bullying starts and contact legal authorities
2. Tell them not to react to the perpetrators openly
3. Help children deal with the emotional pain
4. Help block emails and social media accounts
5. Encourage children to report the harassment to the social media sites or internet provider.

Anti-Bullying Slogan Contest

Friday, March 5th, 2010
ROLLING MEADOWS, IL – State Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) and the Family Violence Coordinating Council of the Third Municipal District Rolling Meadows Courthouse are asking students to participate in an anti-bullying slogan contest. Winning entries will be used in creating awareness of bullying and may be displayed in area middle schools, high schools, community colleges, public libraries and other locations throughout the northwest suburbs.

“As a legislator, I want to do everything I can to make our schools and our communities a safe place to learn and grow,” Walker said. “And as a parent, I know that helping teens become leaders in preventing bullying will have a greater impact than any law we could pass.”

The contest is open to anyone between 13 to 19 years of age. Participants are encouraged to express personal experiences and observations of the dangers, the emotional damage and the impact that bullying can have on individuals and communities. Slogans must be 25 words or less and the must be submitted along with a release form to Grayce Gates, Family Violence Council Coordinator, 2121 Euclid Avenue, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008, by March 15.

“We’ve already received some great submissions,” Gates said. “We all look forward to showing how creative the students in our community can be.”

For more information, please contact Walker’s constituent service office at (847) 640-8645, or visit at the Family Violence Coordinating Council’s website at www.ifvcc.org/local/cook3/.