Domestic Violence
IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, ALWAYS CALL 911.
| 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotlines | ||
|
National Domestic Violence Hotline |
Will County Victim's Assistance |
DuPage County 24 Hour Hotline |
|
Will County Crisis Hotline |
Partners For Non-Violence |
South Suburban Crisis Center |
Domestic Violence Information and Assistance Links
- Department of Children and Family Services
- DuPage County State's Attorney Domestic Violence Information
- DuPage Family Shelter Service
- Will County Social Services
Are You in a SAFE Relationship ?
The primary objectives in responding to reports of domestic violence is to de-escalate violent situations, to avoid officer injury, to reduce the number of repeat calls, to enforce the laws against violators, and to facilitate prosecution where applicable. It is the policy of the Bolingbrook Police Department to refer abusers and victims of domestic violence to professional agencies for counseling and to arrest persons suspected of being responsible for crimes in domestic situations.
Effective family violence prevention requires a team approach: the 9-1-1 emergency operator must ask the right questions of the caller, and input the call with all the necessary information so that it can be dispatched properly, thereby safeguarding the lives of the responding officers and the victims. The patrol officers must restore order and conduct a thorough on-scene investigation. If the investigation establishes probable cause that a crime has been committed, the officers may make an arrest. In both arrest and non-arrest situations, the responding officers will do all that they can to help the victim, the offender, and any family members involved. The investigating detective will conduct a follow-up evaluation of the incident report and conduct any additional interviews or evidence gathering required to complete the investigation.
Victims should contact the Bolingbrook Police Department by dialing 9-1-1 in an emergency. Non-emergency callers may use (630) 226-0600.
Domestic Violence is one of the most serious problems in our society today.
Domestic violence is widespread throughout social class, ethnic
origin and/or age groups and includes child, partner, and elder abuse.
Domestic violence can go unrecognized.
Domestic violence can result in serious injury or death.
We are committed to providing the highest possible standard of care to domestic violence victims by providing information and supportive services.
Are you being physically, sexually or emotionally abused and controlled by a person with whom you are currently having or formerly had an intimate relationship?
You are physically or sexually abused if someone:
- pushes or shoves you;
- slaps or bites you;
- kicks, chokes, hits, or punches you;
- locks you out of your house;
- abandons you in a dangerous place;
- refuses you help when you are sick, injured or pregnant;
- subjects you to reckless driving;
- forced you to have sex when you didn't want to;
- rapes you; threatens or hurts you with a weapon.
You are emotionally abused if someone:
- ignores your feelings;
- continually criticizes you;
- calls you names or shouts at you;
- refuses to allow you to work or share money;
- takes away car keys or money;
- threatens to hurt you or your family.
Did you know that . . . .
- Domestic violence occurs in families of all races, religions, economic and social backgrounds.
- An estimated 60% of families experience violence in their own homes.
- Domestic violence is the principal cause of injury to women in this country.
- Three to four million American women are battered every year.
- Battering often starts, or becomes worse, during pregnancy.
- Once violence begins, it tends to increase over time and become more severe.
- Two thirds of abusers who are violent towards their partners commit acts of violence towards their children.
- Children who witness violence are at a higher risk for becoming the next generation of victims and abusers, experimenting with drugs and alcohol, running away as teenagers and having problems in school.
Young children who see one adult abuse another adult may exhibit the following signs:
- extremely passive;
- poor concentration skills;
- constantly tired or sleepy;
- easily distracted;
- sensitive to loud sounds;
- always striving for perfection.
You may be in greater danger if your partner:
- threatens or fantasizes about suicide or homicide;
- has access to weapons (guns, hunting knives, etc.)
- is being treated for a serious mental illness;
- abuses drugs or alcohol;
- harms family pets;
- says he/she can't live without you;
- stalks or closely watches your whereabouts.
If your partner exhibits any combinations of the above behaviors, talk to someone.
Cycle of Violence
Phase 1: Increased tension, anger, blaming, and arguing.
Phase 2: Battering, hitting, slapping, kicking, choking, use of weapons. Sexual abuse.
Verbal threats and abuse.
Phase 3: Honeymoon or calm stage (this usually decreases or disappears over time).
The abuser may deny violence, say he/she was drunk, say he/she is sorry,
and/or promise it will never happen again.
Be Prepared - Make A Safety Plan:
Often in the calm stage, victims may choose to remain in the relationship, hopeful the abuser will change. It is important to have a safety plan in the event that the violence erupts again.
Call the shelter: Find out about legal options, shelters and other resources available to you before you have to use them.
Prepare an emergency bag for yourself and your children that includes:
- Extra set of clothing;
- Extra cash, checkbook, savings account statement, identification such as birth certificates, social security cards, immunization records, medical insurance & cards, school records, driver's license, address book
- Financial records such as rent receipts, title to car, etc.
- Keep the emergency bag in a safe, confidential place where the abuser will not find it.
- Know exactly where you could go and how to get there even if the battering should occur in the middle of the night.
- Leave the situation, if possible, and take the children with you.