Roosevelt Faculty Jill Coleman Adds Domestic Violence Awareness to Courses

By Angela Walsberg, Roosevelt University student

Imagine being a victim of domestic abuse, the one you love is hurting you, and there was no one there to help you out? This is how it used to be—earlier. Back then, if a domestic violence issue arose and the police were called to the scene, the police would most likely just set the two individuals aside and try to talk to them to settle their dispute. Often this method would not work, and the abuse would get worse, resulting in the police returning to the same house multiple times without the root of the issue being solved. The violence continues to escalate, possibly resulting in the victim’s death. This example of the cycle of violence captures the essence of a story, that many who have experienced abuse in the past, and the reason why Domestic Violence awareness education needs to be taken seriously.

Domestic abuse is described as a way to try and gain control over a partner. Domestic abuse can be physical, emotional, or verbal abuse. Most domestic violence happens between married couples, but can also happen between dating couples, and affects anyone regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, or gender.

Although domestic violence has always been a serious issue, now there are additional stricter laws for domestic abuse. In fact, many companies and even schools are now offering domestic awareness programs to educate on the prevention of domestic violence.
One such place is Roosevelt University. At both its campuses (Schaumburg and Chicago), faculty that are working hard to educate their students about domestic abuse. Also, the state of Illinois has the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence that provides educational and training resources. This group also works with local organizations to raise awareness about violence.
Here at the local level, there are many other local government and community organizations that do hands-on work with women who are in abusive relationships or trying to leave those relationships. A strong one is the Northwest Suburban Alliance on Domestic Violence, which co-sponsoring (with Roosevelt University) a domestic violence conference at Schaumburg’s campus on Oct. 27th. Those who attended heard guest speakers and community leaders talk about this problem, and learned more about what’s being done—and can be.

One such Roosevelt faculty member, Dr. Jill Coleman, social psychologist, teaches a Psychology of Women course. As she puts it, “Some instructors, myself included, also try to include information about domestic violence into our courses. If individuals in the campus community are dealing with violent relationships in their own lives, our counseling center has resources to guide them through their specific situations”.

Dr. Coleman estimates that about 10-20% of students in a given Psychology of Women class have had some sort of personal experience with partner violence, and says, “Perhaps they have been in relationships themselves or have a close friend or family member who was/is in an abusive relationship”.

Many victims of domestic violence usually tend to keep it to themselves, and don’t file reports against their abuser. This may be because they feel such violence is caused by something they did to upset the abusers.

Whatever the reason, trying to hide the fact that a person was (or is) a victim of abuse will not help that victim out in life. The emotional and psychological consequences of domestic abuse are severe. Many reports state that these can lead to anxiety, depression, a sense of loneliness in the world, or of being isolated. In fact, experiencing domestic violence can even lead to suicide by victims. Unfortunately, most of the symptoms or abuse are ignored , and often, many people just don’t realize how common and serious this issue really is.

Recently, Dr. Coleman’s class (Psychology 345: Psychology of Women) completed a service project to benefit the Women in Need Growing Stronger (WINGS) organization in Palatine, IL, and organized a drive on the Schaumburg campus to collect clothing and other household supplies that were then delivered to one of the organization’s drop-off locations. Some of her students extended the collection sites to their homes and workplaces, with one student using Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights as a collection site.

“We also organized a food sale that helped raise nearly $300 for the organization,” Coleman says. “Throughout the semester, we discussed issues related to violence against women (i.e., sexual harassment, sexual assault, partner violence, etc.).”

During spring semester 2012, she will be offering the class as a Transformational Service Learning class, thanks to a grant from the Mansfield Institute for Social Justice at Roosevelt University. Students in the class will be required to complete 20 hours of community based service during the semester. While students will not be required to pick a service site that deals with violence against women, Coleman predicts that a number of students in the class will be interested in this kind of work. She is currently looking for sites to partner with.

Coleman explains her feelings about domestic violence this way: “ I think domestic violence is a complicated issue. A lot of college students, particularly traditional age students, are not aware of how prevalent partner violence is. I believe that there are also misconceptions about abusive relationships, such as that they all involve physical abuse and that they are abusive from the very beginning, when neither of these is necessarily true.

Coleman continues, “Because people are not educated about the cycle of violence or the early warning signs, they are more vulnerable to being involved in violent relationships and not removing themselves from situations as early as they could. “ Her bottom line: “People should be educated early about partner violence, and this education should be directed at both women and men.”

Roosevelt University Students are learning about domestic violence in their Writing Social Justice course.

Rolling Meadows Police Department Responds to Domestic Violence

By Danielle Ladehoff, Roosevelt University student

In 2010, the Rolling Meadows Police Department attended to over 250 cases involving domestic trouble and over 70 cases of domestic battery. Battling domestic violence cases is a daily occurrence for this town’s police force. To deal with this high number of domestic violence cases, Rolling Meadows Chief of Police, Dave Scanlan, has made special training for handling these types of cases a top priority for his force. Although their budget does not allow for a special team to handle domestic violence cases, the police officers of Rolling Meadows are well-equipped to sufficiently manage and properly handle the abusive person as well as care for the victim of the abuse or trouble.
For each domestic violence call, two officers must respond. To ensure the responding officers are well prepared for any domestic violence situation they are called to, they are briefed by the dispatcher on their way to the call. An extremely important piece of the debriefing includes any information about past offenses against the alleged abuser. In addition, the officers are told whether weapons or intoxication are involved so they can better prepare themselves potentially dangerous situations for themselves as well as the victim. The last important piece of information the responding officers receive include information as to who is involved in the domestic violence cases. If children were present at the time of the abuse, or involved, different measures of protection would be taken than if just adults were involved.
All this information is necessary to have prior to arrival so the officers can properly and efficiently assess the situation and have a planned approach to guarantee safety for the victims. Once the officers have arrived at the domestic violence call, they split the parties up and review and evaluate the situation. If the officers find probable cause, the abuser is arrested. Since the majority of domestic violence cases Rolling Meadows police officers see involve families with children, they have set in place safe havens for the victims. If the victims feel they need to seek immediate refuge, the Rolling Meadows police have connections to safe houses including catholic charities, Omni, Women in Need Growing Stronger, as well as court services. These places can offer protection to families or victims when staying in their house is no longer an option as they fight for their safety.
Depending on the case, the severity of injuries and circumstances surrounding the incident, the abuser can receive probation, supervision or jail time. If substance abuse is involved, which is very prominent in the domestic violence cases Rolling Meadows police handles, they may also be ordered to attend substance abuse programs. When children are involved, the police may contact the department of family services or be put in alternative housing to ensure their protection. Whomever the victim may be, they also have the right to seek an order of protection against their abuser. This forbids contact between the victim and the abuser, and allows the police to take action, including arrest if the order of protection does not keep the abuser away.
Due to the increase in domestic violence crimes and reoccurrence, Chief Dave Scanlan is fighting to get the budget for a social worker to become apart of his team. Having a social worker would provide more in-depth follow up with victims and families, and would help these victims during court trails. Furthermore, it would give victims an outlet to discuss their fears, wants, and needs throughout the entire process. It is a vital piece to the puzzle to give the utmost protection to victims who seek it, and those that are afraid of the repercussions. Chief Scanlan will keep preaching about the important role a social worker plays until he receives room in the budget to hire one. Until then, he continues to stress comprehensive training to his police force so they can protect victims in the best way possible.

Roosevelt University Students are learning about domestic violence in their Writing Social Justice course.

Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault Provides Much More Than Services for Victims

By Brittany L. Perlow, Roosevelt University student

Before the age of eighteen; one out of three girls and one of seven boys will be the victim of sexual abuse, according to Jim Huenink, executive director of the Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault (NWCASA). This statistic is startling to the majority of the population because they simply aren’t aware of the issues of sexual assault. These violent crimes continue to be misunderstood, undereducated, and remain the pink elephant in our criminal justice system.. Striving to end sexual violence in our community, the Northwest Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NW CASA) and its executive director; Jim Huenink work each day to challenge the statistics of sexual assault and rape.

For almost 35 years, NWCASA has provided free services for victims and their loved ones. These services include 24/7 crisis hotlines and legal and medical advocacy. They also provide in-person crisis intervention and multiple different types of counseling services.

Because few victims of sexual assault decide to step forward and take action against their perpetrator, it is extremely beneficial that NWCASA provides court advocacy. Going to court with the victim is important because often the victim is put on trial , and the victim’s behavior is questioned—an experience which can be traumatizing. NWCASA’s providing legal advice and emotional support greatly helps victims to successfully participate in prosecution.

NWCASA takes proactive measures to stop sexual assault crimes from happening--therefore resulting in less people needing services. It does this by raising public awareness of sexual assault crimes, promoting education and prevention within the community, and training professionals.

By exposing the truth, NWCASA challenges prevalent societal attitudes and beliefs people hold in regards to the act of rape or sexual assault. Rape and sexual assault happens in so many different ways. The myths of rape all center on the belief that a woman is looking to have sex.

Perhaps it is the ignorance of this belief that causes someone to tell a woman that it was her fault that she was raped because she was in the wrong neighborhood, wore the wrong clothing, and had been drinking. Blaming the victim is very harmful to the victim’s self-esteem and potential recovery and should be avoided. Men would never be accused of doing these things which would then be used to blame them for causing their own rape. Consciously or not, this way of thinking has become the norm over time due to the inequality of women in our society. NWCASA works diligently to show that rape and sexual assault is never the victims fault and there is help.

One of the strongest ways NWCASA demonstrates that they are an organization that is about more than simply providing services is in giving educational presentations. Last year NWCASA’s educator gave presentations to approximately 17,000 people. Although this number is substantial, it is only a start because much more outreach needs to occur in order to diminish sexual assault and violence.

Specifically, NWCASA cautions young women about the dangers of not watching their drinks because they are way too frequently the victim of date rape drugs. NWCASA stresses to young men that in Illinois, “No means no.” Young men are told that if they are in a sexual relationship with their girlfriend, they can be prosecuted for sexual assault if she says no and he forces himself on her. Consequently, these young men are taught what constitutes consent.

Just as important as reaching out to young men, is The Men’s Initiative. NWCASA started this educational program partnering with the Northwest Suburban Alliance on Domestic Violence, which emphasizes that domestic violence is everyone’s problem and urges men who aren’t abusive to take a positive step by be a part of the solution in ending violence.

NWCASA also provides training for law enforcement officials, teachers and medical officials. The training aims at equipping these leaders in our community with the tools necessary for them to be better able to respond to victims as well as helping to increase their knowledge of sexual violence. NWCASA also works with the Cook County state attorney office and has been part of implementing a twenty-four hour training program for their assistant’s state attorneys. This will help to fundamentally change the biases and problems within the criminal justice system.

All these activities and outreach make NWCASA an important partner of the Northwest Suburban Alliance on Domestic Violence, helping to prevent domestic violence and future sexual assaults.

NWCASA: 24 Hour Confidential Hotline: (888)802-8890

Roosevelt University Students are learning about domestic violence in their Writing Social Justice course.

Preservation of Human Dignity (PHD)

By Laurie Stock, Roosevelt University student

For the last 40 years, an organization dedicated to the Preservation of Human Dignity (PHD) has provided pregnancy help and education to women in northwest suburban communities. Contrary to what some people might think, the "P" in PHD does not stand for Palatine. PHD stands for Preservation of Human Dignity. Although most of PHD’s clients are from the Palatine, Schaumburg, Wheeling, Elk Grove, and Barrington townships, the organization’s services assist women from all areas and demographics who are struggling with pregnancy and or parenting young children.

PHD ‘s involvement with domestic violence problems often is primarily that of referrals. Kim Stobbe, clinical director of PHD, is a member of the Northwest Suburban Alliance on Domestic Violence and previously worked for Safe from the Start, a non-for-profit agency dealing with domestic violence. Although PHD does not directly provide domestic violence programs or services, many of its clients are victims of domestic violence. The organization’s trained counselors are well versed in recognizing signs of domestic abuse and in making the appropriate referrals to agencies and shelters that they work closely with, such as WINGS in Palatine. Many women who come to PHD for assistance often won’t admit or don’t recognize that they are victims of domestic violence. Consequently, it often takes numerous counseling sessions before this sensitive issue can be addressed.

In addition to offering pregnancy related programs and services, PHD also provides educational prevention outreach programs to students and parents in the communities. These focus on healthy sexuality and healthy relationships. The "Friendship Project" is a program geared toward children grades 3rd through 6th. It focuses on character education, being a good friend, and ultimately anti-bullying. "Now We’re Talking" is a workshop for Junior High School parents aimed at helping them communicate more effectively with their teens on sensitive subjects such as dating and sexuality. "Independence Highway" includes a four session- abstinence related program on drugs and sex education taught to high school sophomores in health classes. To date 6,600 students have participated in this program. And Common Sense Parenting is an educational program for parents of toddlers and preschoolers offered as a seven-week program to in- house clients and offered as a seminar on a quarterly basis in the community.

For those who’d like to make a difference through PHD, there are many ways. Volunteers can make a monthly donation to PHD’s Spirit of Life Program; host a baby bottle drive or a baby shower; donate items to the resale store; sponsor a fundraising event; or donate time. Volunteers work on fundraising events; in the resale store, maternity or baby closets; on special projects; or could work directly with PHD clients after attending a mandatory 12- week training program & assessment.

Roosevelt University Students are learning about domestic violence in their Writing Social Justice course.

Elgin’s Community Crisis Center

By Kevin Miehlke, Roosevelt University student

We live in a world where violence unfortunately exists within the homes of some families. The side effects of domestic violence can be detrimental to individuals, and experiencing or witnessing violence can leave children with a shattered sense of how to appropriately function within their relationships.

However, the Community Crisis Center of Elgin believes that through children we can break the cycle of violence and prevent future generations from living with the threats and fears of family violence.

The Center has been open since 1975, and although they have seen a 2003-2004 renovation of their building to be completely ADA compliant and struggled through times of financial stress, its doors have remained open every single day in order for victims of domestic violence to safely seek out shelter and resources.

It is crucial that children be reached early on so that habits of fear and violence do not become engrained into their lives. Just last year, Community Crisis Center was able to provide services to 480 young people and give shelter to 155 of them.

Gretchan Vapnar, executive director of the Community Crisis Center, oversees the coordinators for children’s services. She explains that the Center wishes to encourage children in their programs to identify and articulate their feelings so that kids can develop better conflict resolution skills. Certified professionals provide age appropriate counseling to improve self-confidence and an understanding of family functionality.

In order to reach out to other children in the community who have experienced domestic violence, the Center’s community educators work with some of the nearby school districts to speak with students and faculty on domestic violence, sexual assault, and economic issues. By having these Center community educators maintain a clear presence in schools, students can be assured that there are resources and contacts available if they have witnessed domestic violence.

Members of the Community Crisis Center have seen that the majority of relationships related to domestic violence are male-centered, and so there must be efforts taken against the idea that men demonstrate a controlling behavior. Children need role models in their community, both men and women, who can express to younger generations the dire need for loving and caring relationships between spouses and families.

Unfortunately, like so many businesses recently, the Center has been significantly affected by decreases in funding for their programs to the extent that layoffs and pay cuts had to be made in order to keep their operations running continually twenty-four hours a day. They cannot afford to close their doors for the sake of all those they have supported as well as future clients. The agency’s hotline is staffed by professionals who often serve as the first wave of support for victims.

Some of the other specific services the Center provides include legal and medical advocacy; meals and financial help for housing; shelter for women and their children; counseling; economic crisis program; sexual assault program; and the batterer’s intervention program. The Community Crisis Center staff pride themselves on creativity and a strong sense of family as they ambitiously work to accomplish the goals they’ve set.

There is a level of domestic violence in Illinois that is far greater than the resources available in agencies aiding efforts against domestic violence. However, initiatives run by the Community Crisis Center and other organizations associated with the Northwest Suburban Alliance on Domestic Violence are doing their best to combat domestic violence and educate surrounding communities concerning the extent of such violence. Just as the Community Crisis Center has never allowed their doors to be closed, we all must work without ceasing to ensure that domestic violence does not become a habit of the future.

Roosevelt University Students are learning about domestic violence in their Writing Social Justice course.

Harper College’s Women’s Program

By Fay Manglicmot, Roosevelt University Student

The Rita and John Canning Harper’s Women’s Program has helped over 300 women whom experienced domestic violence with tuition assistance, career counseling, and emotional support in 2011.

On average, two-thirds of the individuals enrolled in the program report that they have been in an abusive relationship. The program’s aim wasn't specifically to target victims of domestic violence, but intake forms originally developed by the Illinois Department of Labor, found most participants were in that category, said Susan McNamara, a specialist and grant writer for the women’s program. She said the statistics helped staff members to expand their programs focus to better address the needs of abuse survivors.

“It’s a program of opportunity and hope… A place for one-on-one support to achieve their goals for education, career plans and for moral support,” said McNamara

The program started in the early 1970’s as a result of a questionnaire mailed to the community. Women, who responded, wanted a means to continue their education. In 2011 alone, the program helped 540 people.

The Women’s Program at Harper College provides and supports education and employment goals of single parents, displaced homemakers, women who have experienced domestic violence or individuals with limited English proficiency. It is designed to help women set their own goals in a step-by-step plan and to also help with career directions, according to McNamara. A two-credit course called Life Choices and Career Direction helps them refine goals and plan for their education. In addition, it assesses their career interests and personal style to help explore their education and career options. Many students are successful in discovering and reaching their career goals.

Women’s program seminars that anyone can attend are offered periodically throughout the year. Recent seminar topics included- financial management, legal matters, divorce process, and domestic violence prevention.

Networking with other women and building support could be very beneficial, and the program has helped women reach a number of their goals. Many women have found it to be a great pathway for a new start.

“I’m so glad that I found the Women’s Program,” says Jean, whose story is told in the Women’s Program brochure. “I was beginning to think that there was no hope for me, but now I can see that there is some light at the end of my tunnel. I am really proud to be a participant in this program.”

If you know someone who needs moral support, resources, and help finding career directions, then the Women’s Program at Harper College can help them discover great opportunities that can lead to a wonderful life- changing experience.

Roosevelt University Students are learning about domestic violence in their Writing Social Justice course.

MPPD's Quest Against Domestic Violence

By Maria Romero, Roosevelt University Student

"It was Christmas Eve and the last thing I wanted to do is split a family apart." Years ago, before becoming Chief of the Mount Prospect Police Department (MPPD), John K. Dahlberg remembers he was one of two officers that reported to a domestic violence disturbance. "We spent several hours at the location, talking to both parties, and finally ended with an arrest," he recalls.

Chief Dahlberg remembers how his superior officer then took the time to get to the bottom of things, and through it all helped maintain the dignity of the victim. Since then, Chief Dahlberg has maintained that same sense of commitment toward domestic violence prevention.

He believes to lead by example, and today he‘s proud to say that MPPD follows in his footsteps. Through training, members of the MPPD have become educated on the latest laws on domestic violence. Department members have the ability to understand the victims and have the knowledge to help them get through the legal process. It is in this manner that MPPD members have helped break through the cycle of domestic violence and have helped keep their community safe.

In past years, domestic violence was often viewed as a personal issue; a matter best worked out, inside the four walls of the household. After taking a step back and assessing the situation, Chief Dahlberg and many others noticed that domestic violence does not only affect the couple, but also it affects the entire community.

Today, Dahlberg says, “Police officers are more empathetic toward the victim and towards their situation and are becoming proactive in the movement against domestic violence. According to Chief Dahlberg, education is essential in ending domestic violence. Each and every officer, has to continuously go through specialized training and to become current on the new laws including domestic violence, and on techniques that are useful in helping out the victim. Officers have to complete training and are administered a competency exam on the department’s critical liability arena of general orders, one of which is the domestic violence general order.

Chief Dahlberg's involvement with the Northwestern Suburban Alliance on Domestic Violence helps him be part of a greater project that is raising awareness on domestic violence. With the help of the Alliance and faith groups in the community, Chief Dahlberg and the Mount Prospect Police Department are able to connect to many more people, and spread their message of domestic violence prevention.

Targeting the Mount Prospect youth through education is also another component of the domestic violence prevention. Chief Dahlberg feels the objectification of women in media such as music videos has blurred the line of what is an acceptable way of being treated. It is for that reason that he feels going into the schools and addressing the issue is not only good, but also that it is essential. MPPD members address what is a healthy relationship and what is not, and also advise the students in how to get help if needed.

In August 2009, the Community Connection Center was founded and is located in 1711 W. Algonquin Road in Mount Prospect. Dahlberg said this center was created to provide services to the community of Mount Prospect, a place to seek out help and speak to a social worker. Victoria Bran, the social worker in this location, works with the police force in providing free counseling. And, being bilingual has helped her to be able to reach out to a broader scope of people.

Chief Dahlberg says, "Domestic violence and abuse can come in many forms other than just physical violence." Educating the community is essential in preventing domestic violence. He also emphasizes it is very important for the community to know they should not be scared when seeking help. When responding to a domestic violence call, MPPD officers never question the victim on their legal status in the country. The Mount Prospect police force is here to serve and protect all of its members regardless of ethnicity, age, sex, and legal status. With these views, Chief Dahlberg leads the police force in the fight against domestic violence and in creating a peaceful and safe community.

Roosevelt University Students are learning about domestic violence in their Writing Social Justice course. Photo courtesy of Holly Swanson.

Purple Butterfly

By Marcelina Mulawa and Isabel Moshi,
Roosevelt University Students

Have you seen a purple butterfly lately? The purple butterfly can easily be spotted in the Northwest Suburbs on brochures that inform women how to “get safe” in an abusive relationship. The WINGS and Northwest Community Hospital (NCH) partnership uses this easily-recognizable purple butterfly logo. The purple color of the butterfly signifies “Domestic Violence”. The butterfly’s wings signify WINGS’ motto: “Women In Need Getting Stronger” –a reminder that a woman being abused in a domestic violence situation needs to get away and to be strong enough to let it go. Instead, she needs to move to a better place that can help her.

WINGS and NCH can—and does--help that happen.

Because this partner program is exceptional in what they offer and do for victims of domestic violence, they have become a model for other hospitals and non-profits partnerships which may be trying to incorporate similar programs. One way in which WINGS makes itself known at NCH is to have pamphlets available around the facility—especially the bathrooms. These pamphlets are small enough to fold and be hidden in a shoebox, and are made of material that can’t be ripped or destroyed. Consequently, women who see and take them can learn about WINGS and its programs, and see how to contact the organization for help.

Northwest Community Hospital
In addition to having the brochures available at NCH, Anna Vann, a licensed therapist for WINGS works at the hospital, in Arlington Heights, to do assessments and referrals for patients, families, staff, and community partners. Another part of her job is educating physicians and nurses at the hospital, as well as other community partners about domestic violence and what they can do to help those who are victims.

WINGS
The WINGS program is a program for Women In Need Growing Strong, and it is part of the Northwest Suburban Alliance on Domestic Violence. This program, which services the northwest side of Chicago including the northwest suburbs, works closely with Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights.

Primary goal for the WINGS program is to help women and children who are victims of domestic violence, but it also helps men who are victims of domestic violence. Several ways it does this are with
• Transitional housing programs
• Resale shops
• Community outreach programs
• Hospital-based programs

WINGS also offers a safe house for women and children who can stay at this particular location so that they are separated physically from the person who is abusing them and can find a place where they feel they can be safe.

There are many types of cases in which the WINGS program can help anyone who is a victim. In addition to being victims of domestic violence, victims also may have other issues. Abuse can take many forms: physical, emotional, psychological, and financial. All of these are increasing in today’s fast-paced environment. Though all types of cases may differ, the WINGS program tries to help with any situation victims may be in.

WINGS has found that men too can be victims of domestic violence. Although women victims generally have more resources and opportunities for help, does have the option for an abused male to come into this program. WINGS is unique in that it provides equal services to men and women with the exception of the safe house. That’s only for women and their children under 12 years of age.

Roosevelt University Students are learning about domestic violence in their Writing Social Justice course. Photo courtesy of Holly Swanson.

Hospital Resources Reducing Domestic Violence

By Sarah Schultz, Roosevelt University Student

Every nine seconds a woman is beaten in the U.S., and every two minutes a woman is sexually assaulted according to the Centers for Disease Control. If these statistics do not speak loudly enough, consider your four closest friends; at least two of those friends know someone who has been involved in domestic violence or has been a victim themselves.

Domestic violence is a real issue that Americans face today. More programs, services, and advocacy need to happen in order for these cases of domestic violence to go down.
Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights has partnered with the Northwest Suburban Alliance on Domestic Violence and Women in Need Growing Stronger (WINGS). Through this partnership, Cindy Hartwig, the director of Women and Children Services and Vice President of the WINGS board, has put together programs that are educating the hospital employees about domestic violence, analyzing and assessing the hospital’s procedures, screening, and intervention policies, and providing internal resources for patients along with counseling, and also creating a greater awareness about domestic violence.

In 2007, Northwest Community Hospital began using the Delphi Instrument, a consensus-driven quality assessment tool for evaluation of hospital-based domestic violence programs, developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). NWCH uses this tool (questionnaire) as a basis for their current hospital policies and employee training. The Delphi Instrument is mainly used for screening, documentation, intervention, and evaluations on domestic violence. This strategy showed the quality and quantity of domestic violence care and areas that needed improvement.

In response to the assessments, Northwest Community Hospital is directly addressing the issue of domestic violence by having a counselor, at no cost to the patients, available for victims of domestic violence. This counselor provides comfort, insight, and resources to the victim.
The hospital also began asking pregnant women, in private, questions regarding if they are suffering from domestic violence. Not only is the staff asking women who are pregnant, but also they are asking these questions of patients over the age of 16.

This personal and caring touch actually makes an impact. Cindy Hartwig explains, “It usually takes between 3-4 times of asking a woman if they are a victim of domestic violence before they will get help.” It is also true that women who are pregnant or have children are more likely to seek help, not for themselves as victims, but because the violence they are experiencing can affect their children or an unborn child.

Another big step Northwest Community Hospital is making towards decreasing domestic violence is by having numerous resources available to patients, employees, and anyone who enters the hospital. Through their partnership with WINGS they provide pamphlets on the signs of an abusive relationship, the cycle of domestic violence, and where to go to for help. They also have a “resource card” which can be stored in an individual’s shoe so an abused person doesn’t draw attention to themselves as victims, especially around their abuser.

Along with their internal resources, Northwest Community Hospital is taking a pro-active role educating the hospital staff. Every year each employee goes through an education program on domestic violence. The counselor, whom the domestic violence victims see, also spreads this education and awareness to the community by visiting doctors’ offices and leaving assessment tools and resources. By simply becoming more aware and educated about this topic, individuals can have an impact on reducing the number of domestic violence cases each year. Through the efforts of the WINGS program, the Northwest Suburban Alliance on Domestic Violence, and Cindy Hartwig, the Director of Women and Children’s Services at Northwest Community Hospital, the hospital has created programs, internal resources, educational material, and staff who are aware and actively working to reduce domestic violence in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago.


Roosevelt University Students are learning about domestic violence in their Writing Social Justice course. Photo courtesy of Holly Swanson.

Between Friends: Court Advocacy in Rolling Meadows

By Alanna Mojica, Roosevelt University Student

April Fehrenbacher speaks with pride about her work in the Rolling Meadows courthouse. She works as a court advocate for the agency Between Friends in the suburban satellite office. “The office here is an important place for many reasons,” said Fehrenbacher. “Currently, Between Friends is the only agency that has the offering of civil advocacy in Rolling Meadows.” It is easy to hear the passion in Ms. Fehrenbacher’s voice as she describes her work there and her role since 1998 as a court advocate.

Ms. Fehrenbacher explains what her job as a court advocate entails. The service Between Friends offers can be described in three main steps: inform, file, and petition. When a victim is referred to their office, Between Friends assists in the process of obtaining an emergency order of protection. Once in the office, the victim is informed that the advocates in the office are Illinois mandated reporters; any allegations of abuse made to the advocate will be reported, because that is the state requirement.

The general first steps are in informing the victims about the process of the law and preparing them for appearing in court before a judge, because many have never been in court before. Once the paperwork and the petition have been filled out, they appear before a judge. If granted, this order of protection will last twenty-one days. The victim does not have to pay for these services or for filing with the clerk’s office.

It is important to note that the agency Between Friends only handles civil orders of protection, which are for a case where an arrest has not been made. Often the civil orders of protection are sought as protection for an impending threat. These orders are just as important as criminal ones; yet it is sometimes more difficult to get these granted. The allegations being brought into court need to be current, such as within the week that the order is sought, and of course the judge’s verdict. However, if the civil order of protection is granted and then broken, it becomes a criminal offense and will be updated to a criminal order of protection.

Between Friends’ Rolling Meadows office certainly makes a difference in the Northwest suburbs. The agency will work in partnership the other agencies; in many instances they are members of the Northwest Suburban Alliance on Domestic Violence. Fehrenbacher said membership in the Alliance is an essential part of maintaining community involvement, especially on issues pertaining to domestic violence awareness. "With such a passionate force, working to lessen the impact of domestic violence in the Northwest suburbs, the cycle of violence will be easier to break," she said.

Roosevelt University Students are learning about domestic violence in their writing for social justice course.

Hoffman Estates Health and Human Services

By Megan Fern, Roosevelt University Student

Can you imagine trying to leave a violent relationship without knowing where you will go, how you will meet your basic needs, and how to cope with the psychological trauma? Hoffman Estates Health and Human Services (HEHHS) offers a range of health care services including an opportunity for victims of Domestic Violence to improve their quality of life by learning about coping skills to deal with such questions. Partnered with the Northwest Suburban Alliance On Domestic Violence, these agencies work together to create awareness and provide intervention.

HEHHS is a unique facility in that it is a separately run department, yet attached to the Hoffman Estates Village Hall. These close quarters warrant a symbiotic relationship with the local Police Department among others in the surrounding area.

Dr. Algean Garner, Director of HEHHS, is the immediate contact for victims dealing with local Police Departments. Upon receiving a call, the HEHHS staff will work together to determine the specific needs of the victim. HEHHS is staffed by 14 qualified individuals including two registered nurses, seven interns/externs, a part-time clinical psychologist, and a Master’s level clinician.

Services available to the public include counseling, financial assistance, and temporary shelter. Counseling is offered to individuals, families, and couples. The advantage to working with these counselors is that those using these services are not limited on session time or number of visits in comparison to managed care facilities, based on private insurance coverage. Consequently, fees are strictly out-of-pocket, on a sliding scale based on income. There is no residency requirement, nor does HEHHS turn anyone away for inability to pay.

HEHHS also works closely with WINGS, a fellow alliance- agency, to acquire temporary housing for women and children. Together they facilitate smooth transitions for the victims to ensure security as they work through these difficult times.

As a community partner with the Alliance, HEHHS strives to deliver domestic violence awareness to the public. In Hoffman Estates, the Health and Human Services department is directly involved in the Citizen Newsletter, village Web site, and HETV Cable Channel 6. The Citizen and village Web site emphasize different health topics each month and advertise the services available for children, adults, and senior citizens. During October, Hoffman Estates Health and Human Services will publicize their services on HETV as they focus on National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

There is no question that domestic violence awareness and intervention are deeply important to the Village of Hoffman Estates. As a member of the Northwest Suburban Alliance On Domestic Violence, HEHHS works diligently within the community to provide an array of services to the public for these victims. In the words of Dr. Garner, “All they need to do is show up. We are always here to help.” For more information on HEHHS visit http://www.hoffmanestates.org.

Roosevelt University Students are learning about domestic violence in their Writing Social Justice course. Photo courtesy of Holly Swanson.

2011 Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic Violence Awareness Month – October 2011

October 3rd Family Violence Coordinating Council Fall Conference “ Lt. Mark Wynn: Keynote speaker.” Conference is free to attend with no registration fee. Lt. Mark Wynn is the guest speaker. Hosted at Harper College 8am-4:30pm. The Community Crisis Center will offer 5.5 CEUs for $10. Nursing CEUs (5.5) will be offered by Northwest Community Hospital for free and 5.5 MCLEs for attorneys are offered at no charge. Event is full.

October 4 Northwest Community Hospital Ribbon Ceremony in ED Driveway @ 12:30pm. Hospital staff and visitors are invited to tie purple ribbons on the columns and trees to symbolize Breaking Silence on Domestic Violence.

October 10 Northwest Community Hospital Conference Center Rm 1-6 presents a 1-hour seminar on Domestic Violence and Why Women Stay. Open to the public, offering 1 NCE credit. Presentation will be repeated on Oct. 28th at 1:30pm.

October 14 Elgin Community Crisis Center Partner In Peace Breakfast 7:30am Elgin Country Club Contact: 847-742-4088 $25pp, Reservation required.

October 14 Shelter Inc, Fall Seminar “Bullying” Schaumburg Township District Library
9:30-12:30pm. Admission is free. Contact Laura 847-590-6190 X37

October 20 Georgio’s Pizzeria Fundraiser for NWSADV 4-10pm
100 W. Higgins Rd. Suite L100 in the Arboretum- South Barrington
Georgio’s Pizza will donate 20% of its dine-in sales and 10% of its carryout sales from each purchase presenting this flyer.

October 25 WINGS Annual Meeting Luncheon and Awards Ceremony
11:00am - 1:00pm Chandler’s Chop House
401 North Roselle Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Cost per person: $25.00, RSVP by Friday, October 21, 2011

October 27 “Break the Silence on Relationship Violence” Community Event
Keynote speaker Wendy Cohen from the Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s Office
The Clothesline and Silent Witness project, and Memorial Ceremony
Hosted by Roosevelt University and NWSADV
4:30-6:30pm Roosevelt University Schaumburg Campus, 1400 N Roosevelt Blvd Alumni Hall Register @ www.roosevelt.edu/breaksilence

Municipalities Partner with NWSADV to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month with Proclamations Read on the following dates:
September 19th- Elk Grove, Hoffman Estates
September 26th- Barrington, Prospect Heights, Wheeling
September 27th- Schaumburg
October 3rd- Palatine
October 4th- Bartlett, Mount Prospect
October 6th- Streamwood
October 11th - Inverness

Attend a Local National Night Out Event on Aug. 2nd

Meet with neighbors to celebrate National Night Out, a campaign on crime prevention.

As part of the National Night Out annual event, community members are encouraged to meet with law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials.

According to National Association of Town Watch, over 37 million, from over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. people participated in National Night Out 2010.

Local police departments, such as Arlington Heights Police Department and Elgin Police Department will have Northwest Suburban Alliance on Domestic Violence material on hand.

Members of the Alliance organization will also display material at the Barrington National Night Out event.

For more details about a National Night Out event in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago visit the Daily Herald for the story:
Read more: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20110801/news/708019832/#ixzz1TtZSqBsh

NWSADV participates at Hanover Park Cop Day Picnic 2011

Volunteers from the Elgin Community Crisis Center and NWCASA will be hosting the Northwest Suburban Alliance on Domestic Violence table at Hanover Park Cop Day Picnic on July 13th in Hanover Park. Please stop by and say hi!

Blue Kid's

The “Blue Kids” are new to the Northwest Suburbs. In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month the Blue Kids will be part of the Family Violence Council’s April 1st Conference at Harper College’s Wojcik Conference Center.

Preckwinkle Suburban Visit

excerpt from Article in Daily Herald:

Suburban leaders expressed many other concerns and Preckwinkle was urged by area police chiefs to keep the lockup at the Cook County Circuit Court in Rolling Meadows open 24 hours a day.

“When we're laying off police officers and not hiring those lost to attrition, taking a fully trained policeman off the street to have him sit in a chair in the jail all night long in front of a prisoner behind bars, it's a cost we can ill afford,” said Mike Alsup, chief of police at Harper College and president of the North Suburban Association of Chiefs of Police.

Alsup later said he understands the challenge that presents to Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart in light of Preckwinkle's call for all county departments to trim 21 percent off their budgets.

Murphy said local law enforcement departments are willing to take turns providing someone to supervise the lockup overnight.

The sheriff's department is willing to continue talks with the chiefs and might be able to work out an intergovernmental agreement, Dart spokesman Steve Patterson said. However, collective bargaining and liability issues must be considered.

The court lockup in Rolling Meadows accepts arrestees from suburban agencies from about 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, Patterson said. Detainees who do not post bond are transferred to the county jail at 26th and California in Chicago.

The sheriff's department already does not have enough court deputies to cover all the court rooms in the suburbs and at the Daley Center in Chicago, Patterson added. In fact, Dart has proposed doing away with the Saturday suburban bond courts.

Preckwinkle said after the meeting that it was the first she had heard of the chiefs' request, but she would look into it.

Read more: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20110126/news/701269816/#ixzz1GbTsvsGs