Illinois Recognizes October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Abear Law Offices

DuPage County statistics report over 2,000 divorces every year, and that number increases each year. There is a list of situations identified as grounds for divorce in Illinois. Domestic abuse is one of them.

According to the Illinois State Police, a woman is beaten every 15 seconds in the U.S. with at least 95 percent of all domestic abuse cases involving a man beating a woman. Domestic abuse covers many forms including:

  • Verbal;
  • Physical;
  • Sexual;
  • Emotional; and
  • Psychological.

Domestic violence can also occur if a disabled person is denied necessary care or if a child or other person is forced to watch abuse. Domestic Violence Awareness Month is recognized throughout October and was created over 30 years ago by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Its focus is on ending violence and abuse in relationships and homes.

Domestic violence often follows a cycle that repeats itself. When abuse occurs, a person should:

  • Seek medical attention for injuries;
  • Have photographs taken of injuries and any damage; and
  • Document anything that can be used as evidence.

The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence lists awareness and support events per state for the month of October, such as the Angels Against Abuse 5K Walk and Run, which celebrates its seventh year benefiting domestic violence programs in Illinois.

The City of Chicago has a 24-hour domestic abuse hotline that provides local resources for those seeking shelters, counseling, and legal advocacy. Its purpose is to give immediate information about safety options not just for victims of abuse, but for concerned family and friends and involved professionals like health care workers or police officers.

Divorce as a result of domestic abuse is not a choice or a process that is simple. However, there are multiple outlets of support, including legal counsel, available statewide. If you are considering filing for divorce in Illinois, contact an experienced DuPage County divorce attorney to discuss your legal options today.

 

Sources:

http://www.idph.state.il.us/health/bdmd/divorce10_19.htm

http://www.isp.state.il.us/crime/domesticviol.cfm

http://oiir.illinois.edu/womens-center/wrc-events/domestic-violence-awareness-month

http://www.nrcdv.org/dvam/node/258

http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/fss/provdrs/dom_violence/svcs/domestic_violencehelpline.html