Lincoln Woman’s Club Recognizes National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October

[October 22, 2022]    October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In recognition of this, the GFWC - Lincoln Woman’s Club has created a display in Downtown Lincoln on S. Kickapoo Street on the square.

The purpose of the display is to educate the public about the problem in our community and nationally. The club also partnered with agencies including Sojourn Shelter and Service, The Butterfly Project provided by Children’s Home and Aid, the Lincoln Public Library, and the United Way of Logan County to provide information on services that are also available to those who are victims of domestic violence.

The Lincoln Woman’s Club also welcomed April Garcia to their October meeting. April informed the club members about the Butterfly Project, which provides children and families who have experienced domestic violence, family violence and community violence with a comprehensive continuum of care. The program addresses the issue of children’s exposure to violence by providing community education, training and direct services to children, ages 0-18, who have been exposed to violence. The Butterfly Project is offered in the Central Region – in McLean, Logan, Ford, Livingston, and Woodford counties. For more information visit https://www.childrenshomeandaid.
org/counseling-programs-services/
butterfly-project/  or contact April Garcia at [e-mail].

A collection of used cell phones was also a part of the October meeting. These cell phones will be sent to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, where they will turn into donations for the organization.

Domestic violence is a problem in every community. One in three women and one in seven men are victims of domestic violence. According to the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, “Domestic violence impacts everyone, even if it hasn’t touched your life directly.” By becoming aware of the problem and understanding the challenges survivors face, we can all help in the efforts to break down those barriers to getting help.

Assistance can be found through Sojourn Shelter and Service. Sojourn’s services include emergency shelter in Springfield, a 24-hour hotline, individual and group counseling for adults and children, community referrals and advocacy, court and legal advocacy, pro bono legal representation, and economic empowerment including job seeking skills and assistance. They can be reached 24/7 at 217-726-5100.

Thanks to the generosity of the building owners, Terry and Kelly Coppinger, who allowed the club the use of the window, this information will be on display throughout the month of October.

[Patti Becker]