Domestic Violence Awareness Month Resources

September 27, 2021 -- At the City Council meeting on Monday, September 27, 2021, Mayor Rotering issued a proclamation recognizing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence affects individuals of all races, genders, and ages. Mayor Rotering urged everyone to wear purple in October in support of coming together to create safer communities that offer resources for victims and survivors, hold abusers accountable, and provide education and awareness. Following Mayor Rotering's remarks, representatives of A Safe Place, the National Council of Jewish Women Chicago North Shore, the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic, and SHALVA shared information about the critical,  lifesaving services they provide.

It is crucial that we reduce the stigma surrounding domestic violence and facilitate access to resources that can save lives. Free and confidential help is available in Lake County: 

A Safe Place
A Safe Place provides a full suite of programs and services dedicated to addressing domestic violence and human trafficking in Lake County. A Safe Place assists victims in transforming their lives after violence,  prevents future abuse by addressing its root cause through abuser intervention programs, and educates the community about domestic violence and human trafficking, and how everyone can play a role in ending them. A Safe Place maintains a 24/7 crisis line, an emergency shelter, and housing, counseling, and courthouse advocacy programs, among others.

Upcoming A Safe Place programs include: 
Candle Lighting Ceremony (October 7, College of Lake County)
Unmask the Violence Virtual Gala (October 16, virtual)
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Virtual Panel (October 21, virtual)

Information about all programs will be available at asafeplaceforhelp.org and on A Safe Place's Facebook page. 

A Safe Place's toll-free, 24/7 crisis line may be reached at 1.800.600.SAFE or 847.249.4450. A Safe Place staff may be reached at 847.731.7165 and info@asafeplaceforhelp.org. 

National Council of Jewish Women Chicago North Shore
The National Council of Jewish Women is a grassroots organization working to improve the quality of life for women, children, and families. 

NCJW's Luggage for Freedom initiative provides gently used luggage packed with new towels, sheets, and toiletries to women leaving domestic violence shelters to start their lives anew. NCJW also provides backpacks filled with books and stuffed animals for children. At this time, NCJW is unable to accept donations of luggage. Donations of new toiletries, towels, and linens are welcome; please email luggageforfreedom@ncjwcns.org.

Examples of needed toiletries include: 

• Soap & Lotion
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush, toothpaste & dental floss

Luggage for Freedom Packing and Delivery Day will take place on October 24, 20221, 11:30 AM at the West Ridge Center, 636 Ridge Road, Highland Park. All volunteers will be required to register in advance and provide proof of vaccine. No walk-in volunteers will be admitted. Individuals who cannot attend in person are invited to pack dignity bags and make fleece blankets at home; click here for instructions. 

North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic 
The North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic provides confidential, accessible, high-quality, pro-bono assistance, particularly to domestic violence victims and those that wish to help them. The Clinic's website offers extensive resources for survivors of intimate partner violence. 

The Clinic understands how difficult it is for survivors of domestic violence to access the resources that can help them. The Clinic's website, Banana Bread Help, provides vital information about recognizing the signs of domestic violence, safely and confidentially seeking help, the rights of domestic violence victims, and more. These resources are provided in print and video. 

Clinic attorneys offer assistance in obtaining court orders to help protect against abuse or harassment, making arrangements to escape an abusive living situation, and offering legal counsel and representation on family law matters related to domestic violence, including cases of divorce or paternity/maternity when domestic violence is present. 

The Clinic may be reached at 847-737-4042 or info@NSLegalAid.org. Visit the Clinic at www.NSLegalAid.org.  

SHALVA
SHALVA supports Jewish women experiencing and healing from domestic abuse through counseling, supportive services, and community education.  SHALVA provides free and confidential client services, including safety planning, individual and group counseling, financial assistance, and more. 

Upcoming SHALVA programs include:
Cook County Domestic Abuse Resource Forum (Oct. 5, 7 - 8:00 PM)
The Jewish Divorce Process and Get Refusal (Oct. 14, 12 - 1:00 PM)
SHALVA Presents Lundy Bancroft: A Conversation About Domestic Abuse (Oct. 26, 12 - 1:00 PM)

SHALVA's 24/7 Help/Crisis Line is available at 773.583.4673. Individuals can also reach out via email at hope@shalvacares.org. More information about SHALVA's services is available at hope@shalvacares.org. 

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