Be Aware! October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Law Enforcement Students are Much More Aware

KACC Law Enforcement class hosted Jenny Schoenwtter, Executive Director of Harbor House, along with her workmates, Morgan DePatis and Kim Cousin.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month so it seems fitting to have this conversation, but when it comes to domestic violence, any time an opportunity to learn presents itself, it must be taken.

Law enforcement professionals must be keenly aware of this subject, including how to handle the abused and the abuser.  These three professionals gave a very informative program highlighting the many types of domestic violence and many ways in which law enforcement gets involved.  They also gave a variety of statistical information, which was very surprising for students to learn. 

As far as Harbor House is concerned, their primary goal is to "Provide a safe environment in which to educate victims and enable them to break their personal cycle of violence safety."  Harbor House is known for their exceptional crisis intervention, counseling services and support groups - including court advocacy.  Harbor House is even involved in emergency shelter and transitional housing.

Students recommend this team as classroom presenters.  some comments were:

Olivia Brown, BBCHS learned that nearly 20 people are physically abused by an intimate partner every 60 seconds. Hearing from these speakers "gives a reality effect and gives information and phone numbers to help.

Matthew Rasmussan, Central HS wrote that he learned you "may not always be able to tell who is abused."He thought the speakers were good because it is "good to know this type of stuff happens, how to prevent it and get help.  You hear some horrible facts, and you learn some new stuff you didn't know is happening."

Elara Rickenberg, BBCHS said she did not know that "50 domestic violence cases a week land in the State's Attorney's Office, which is the second highest criminal case type in our county." She said the speakers were "informative and I know a lot more about domestic violence."

Ms. Schoenwetter commentned on the students as well stating "Solid students with excellent questions...some I'd never heard before either!

Thank you Ms Schoenwetter, Ms. DePatis and Ms. Cousin for all you do on behalf of those who have been a victim of domestic violence. 

Anyone reading this article who needs assistance - please call Harbor House at 815-932-5800 and seek the help you deserve.