Lake County Gazette

To highlight Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, the City of Highland Park will host a community panel discussion 7:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20 at the Recreation Center of Highland Park, 1207 Park Ave W.

 

Residents, family members, advocates, law enforcement officers and professionals are all invited to attend. Audience members can ask questions about domestic abuse in a safe place while learning how to recognize the signs of abuse and help others in need.

 

Highland Park Police Chief Paul Shafer and spokespeople from local affiliated organizations will participate in a moderated discussion. The event, titled  “No More Domestic Violence: Know More,” is a partnership among A Safe Place, the City of Highland Park, The Highland Park-Highwood Legal Aid Clinic, the Park District of Highland Park and SHALVA.

 

“Domestic abuse does not discriminate and happens in all religious, racial and socioeconomic groups,” SHALVA Executive Director Carol Ruderman said. “Highland Park residents are not immune. I applaud the city and the Highland Park-Highwood Legal Clinic for understanding the importance of this issue and providing a forum."

 

A Safe Place is Lake County’s only domestic violence-related service provider. The Highland Park-Highwood Legal Aid Clinic, recently accredited by the U.S. Bureau of Immigration Affairs, helps Highland Park and Highwood residents with immigration, landlord-tenant matters and domestic-abuse matters.

 

SHALVA, the only Jewish agency in the Chicago metropolitan area certified by the State of Illinois to provide domestic-violence counseling, trains rabbis, police officers, teachers and professionals in domestic-violence prevention and specializes in helping women.

 

“Public safety is a critical priority,” Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering said. “The city appreciates the opportunity to partner with these vital organizations. Domestic abuse is a prevalent issue facing every community that is too often disregarded. Together, we can comprehensively address the serious issue of domestic violence as we improve and save lives.”