Raise Domestic Violence Awareness, Help Victims

By Nottage and Ward on October 5, 2011

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and has been for the last 24 years. Helping battered women and children find the support they need to end and overcome the abuse that they’ve suffered is the goal of the National Coalition Against Violence (NCADV).

Domestic violence, also referred to as Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), is the willful physical assault, sexual assault, battery, intimidation, and/or other abusive behavior committed by an intimate partner against another. This abusive behavior can last a lifetime and results in psychological trauma, bodily injury, and even death. According to the NCADV, most domestic violence cases are never reported to law enforcement, which is why raising awareness is so important in helping battered individuals find the support they need.

The NCADV encourages everyone to participate in activities that can facilitate the personal and societal changes necessary to end domestic violence for good. A few suggestions include:

• Ribbon Campaign – Distribute purple ribbons to people in your community.
• Church Campaign – Ask religious institutions in your area to address the issue of domestic violence.
• Chili Cook-Off – Invite teams, individual cooks, and even restaurants to compete in a chili contest. Have entertainment, open chili tasting to the public, and prizes for the best chili. All proceeds would benefit the local women’s and/or children’s shelter.

If you or a loved one is being physically and/or emotionally abused by an intimate partner, the most important step is for the victim to be removed from the situation. At Nottage and Ward, our experienced Chicago order of protection attorneys help victims of domestic violence stay safe while they pursue divorce. Domestic violence is inexcusable and undeserving, and we will do everything within our power to ensure that you and/or your children are protected. Contact us today for a confidential consultation at (312) 332-2915.