Via the Department of Family & Support Services

Domestic Violence is everyone's concern.  Its impact extends far beyond the victim and family members.  Domestic violence reaches into the workplace, social settings and the community at large.  Educate yourself and others.  Help create a world with No DV!

National Hard Facts

• One woman is victimized by an intimate partner every 1.3 minutes.  One man is victimized every 6.7 minutes.
• Domestic violence comprises 9 percent of all violent crime in the US.
• 33 percent of female murder victims are killed by husbands or boyfriends.
• 1 in 5 high school girls report being abused by a boyfriend.
• Male children who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners as adults.
• Domestic violence results in more than 18.5 million visits to health care professionals every year and $4.1 billion in medical and mental health expenses.

City of Chicago's DV Helpline: 1-877-To End DV or 1-877-863-6338.

Domestic Violence Awreness Month Events in Chicago

Saturday, October 17, 2009
Macy's Shop for a Cause.  Coupons for purchase at $5.00 to benefit Greenhouse Shelter.  For more information, please contact Anne Borg at 773 489 9081.

Thursday, October 22, 2009
Metropolitan Family Services — Calumet Center Partnering with the 5th District Chicago Police Department Subcommittee. Presenting "The Yellow Dress," a play based on the stories of young women who experienced domestic violence.  MFS - Calumet Center, 235 E. 103rd St., Chicago.  4:30pm - 6:30pm.  For more information, contact Christine whipple, 773 371 3687.

Thursday, October 29, 2009
29th District Chicago Police Department Community Breakfast and Resource Table, St. Anthony Hospital, 2875 W 19th St., 8th Floor, 9am - 11am.  For more information, please contact Police Officer Marie Rapacz at 312 747 7190.

Friday, October 30, 2009
Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC) Silent Too Long, Silent No More March and Rally.  Meet at National Museum of ARt, 1852 W 19th St, Chicago, 11am - 2pm.  Walk through Pilsen/Little Village neighborhood to Pilsen Wellness Center.  For more information, contact Roxanna Licona, 773 489 9081, or Brenda Morales, 773 278 4110.

Does Your Partner...

Embarrass you with bad names and put-downs?
Control what you do, who you see or talk to?
Take your money or refuse to share money with you?
Tell you you're a bad parent or threaten to take away your children?
Act like abuse is not big deal or that it is your fault?
Intimidate you with guns, knives or other weapons?
Shove, slap or hit you?
Force you to drop charges?
Threaten to commit suicide?
Threaten to kill you?

If you answered Yes to even one of the questions above, you may be in an abusive relationship.  If you need help or information, call the City of Chicago's DV helpline: 1-877-To End DV or 1-877-863-6338.