Break the Silence, Stop the Violence

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence, or abuse, affects women and men of any race, age, sexual orientation or religion and all educational levels and socioeconomic backgrounds.  It can happen to couples who are married, living together or who are dating.

Abuse is a repetitive pattern of behaviors to maintain power and control over an intimate partner. These are behaviors that physically harm, create fear, prevent a partner from doing what they wish or force them to behave in ways they do not want. Abuse includes the use of physical and sexual violence, threats and intimidation, emotional abuse and economic deprivation. 

Domestic violence doesn’t look the same in every relationship because every relationship is different. But one thing most abusive relationships have in common is that the abusive partner does many different kinds of things to have more power and control over their partners.
     - From the National Domestic Violence Hotline at www.thehotline.org.

How Can You Help a Friend or Family Member           

• Acknowledge that they are in a very difficult and scary situation; be supportive and listen.
• Be non-judgmental.
• Encourage them to talk to people who can provide help and guidance.
• Help them develop a safety plan.
• Encourage them to participate in activities outside of the relationship with friends and family.
• Whether or not they change or end the relationship, continue to be supportive.
• Remember that you cannot “rescue” them; they must make their own choices.

About This Ministry
The Domestic Violence Outreach Ministry was formed in 2015 in coordination with the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Domestic Violence Outreach led by Father Charles Dahm, O.P.

Our mission is:

• to raise domestic violence awareness through parish outreach and communications;
• to offer support to those affected by domestic violence by providing referrals to professional resources and spiritual guidance;
• to promote healthy relationships and prevention of domestic violence by educating our community.

Contact Us
The Domestic Violence Outreach Ministry welcomes new members. Please complete the form below or contact the Ministry Coordinator at ministryinfo@sainthubert.org.

Local and National Domestic and Dating Violence Resources
Everyone deserves to be in safe, healthy relationships. If you, or someone you know, may be in an abusive relationship, a path to safety exists. Get help.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-SAFE (7233),
800-787-3224 TTY
 
Illinois Statewide Domestic Violence Helpline
877-TO END DV, 877-863-6338, 877-863-6339 TTY
 
Love Is Respect National Teen Dating Violence Helpline
800-603-HELP
 
Between Friends
Rolling Meadows Courthouse
24 Hr. Line
800-603-HELP
 
WINGS 24 Hr. Hotline
847-221-5680
 
Northwest Community Hospital/WINGS
847-618-3208