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.