The YWCA’s “Week Without Violence” wrapped up over the weekend, a global movement to end violence against women and children. Every year in October, a week is set aside to acknowledge victims of violence by sharing events, information and personal stories while reaching out to local, state and federal agencies with the common goal of ending “gender-based violence.” Coincidentally, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is also in October, with the aim of acknowledging domestic violence survivors and to be a voice for victims.
Domestic Violence in the U.S.
The statistics of domestic violence are grim, with an average of 20 people physically abused by an intimate partner every minute of every day across the country, translating into 10 million abuse victims annually. Physical violence is often accompanied by emotional and mental abuse often resulting in physical injury, psychological trauma, and even death. Domestic violence knows no boundaries when it comes to socioeconomic status, gender, race, religion, nationality or age – it can happen to anyone, anywhere, and sadly, millions of children across the U.S. are exposed to domestic violence in the home with long lasting negative effects.
Divorcing an Abusive Spouse
If you are married to an abusive spouse and feel like you’re alone in it, you’re not. Studies reveal that violence occurs at least once in two-thirds of all marriages. The attorneys and staff of Schlesinger & Strauss have worked with spouses and partners who are victims of domestic violence seeking an end to a relationship of intimidation, control and violence. We stand with victims of abuse and their children so they can realize safety and make a fresh start. To this end, Attorney Michael Strauss works closely with and is a member of the board at “A Safe Place”, an organization dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence in Northern Illinois
If you are the victim of domestic abuse and are in immediate danger call the police. Alternatively, call the National Domestic Abuse hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224 for more information about resources available to you. If you reside locally, contact the A Safe Place crisis line available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (847) 249-4450 or 1-800-600-SAFE toll free to get the help you need. If you would like more information regarding your legal rights when leaving an abusive marriage or relationship, particularly if there are children involved, make the call, contact the law offices of Schlesinger & Strauss LLC. at 847-680-4970.
