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.

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.

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.