In This Issue
Kathy Simmons 5K
Family Connections Support Group
Start by Believing
SA Month Activities
Title IX from Kindergarten to College
Is Your Child Being Sexually Harassed or Bullied?
The Hunting Ground
New Staff



KATHY SIMMONS MEMORIAL 5K WALK/RUN/ROLL!
Saturday, May 9, 2015 

In 2014, over 80 people joined Victim Services in its first 5K, remembering area resident Kathy Simmons was a fatal victim of domestic violence. Kathy was a compassionate nurse and the mother of three.

Last year, over 43,000 adult survivors were assisted with domestic violence services in Illinois. There were thousands of child witnesses to the violence.

Show your support to end domestic violence and join Victim Services on Saturday, May 9 at Citizens National Bank Plaza to honor Kathy Simmons and all victims of domestic violence.

For more information, call (309) 837-6622. To register, visit www.wirpc.org. Those who register by April 24 are guaranteed a t-shirt. 


FAMILY CONNECTIONS: 
A Support Group for Parents, Caregivers and their Children

The Family Connections support group is designed to provide a safe forum for parents and caregivers to share their concerns and issues of raising school-aged children.

During the adult group session, a WIRC-CAA Victim Services Children's Advocate leads the children in age-appropriate ways to keep safe and develop healthy self-esteem. Group sessions will begin with a light meal.

The next meeting is Tuesday, April 28. RSVP by Monday, April 27.

For more information regarding the next session, call Mikki at (309) 837-6622 or email [email protected]
.   

Start by Believing  
is a public awareness campaign focused on the public response to sexual assault. Because a friend or family member is typically the first person a victim confides in after an assault, each individual's personal reaction is the first step in a long path toward justice and healing. Knowing how to respond is critical. A negative response can worsen the trauma and foster an environment where perpetrators face zero consequences for their crimes.

This April, Victim Services is again visiting courthouses and local businesses to remind people that they need to Start by Believing.



Staff at the Warren County State's Attorney's office Start by Believing. 
 
Sexual Assault Awareness Month Activities

Awareness Tables
Carthage - TBA
Macomb - April 3
Family Video
Macomb - April 17
K-Mart
Monmouth - April 10
Save-A-Lot
12:30 - 4:00 pm
Oquawka - April 10
Fischer Foods 
8:00 - 11:30 am


Clothesline Displays 
Monmouth College - April 8
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Carl Sandburg College - April 9
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Western Illinois Univ. - April 17
9:00 am - 3:00 pm 

Hands Around the Courthouse - April 24  
McDonough County Courthouse
Macomb - Noon 
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Patti Sullivan-Howd

Public Relations Manager/Newsletter Editor
[email protected]

 

Title IX From Kindergarten to College 

With all the media discussions of sexual assault on college/university campuses during the last few years, the updating of federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) laws and documentaries such as "The Hunting Ground" being produced for mass audiences, Victim Services is providing information for the younger population in school and their parents regarding sex-based  bullying, harassment and assault.  Read more... 


Is Your Child Being Sexually Harassed or Bullied?
           
For Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Victim Services staff is working on bringing awareness to Title IX.  Title IX is a law that was created to stop gender-based discrimination in our schools.  Meant as a tool to help schools maintain a safe and positive learning environment where all kids can be their best selves, Title IX sets guidelines for how to stop gender discrimination and sex-based harassment of all types, from bullying to sexual assault.    Read more...

 


Holding Rapists Accountable on College Campuses
           
The Hunting Ground, a new documentary from the same producer and director of "The Invisible War" about sexual assault in the military, focuses on sexual assault on college campuses.  The movie crosses the country, meeting and interviewing women survivors of sexual assault on college campuses in almost every state.   Read more...


 Victim Services Welcomes New Staff Members

Carol Smith - Domestic Violence Counselor
 
In early March, Carol Smith began working for Victim Services as its full time Domestic Violence Counselor. Smith graduated from Western Illinois University in 2011 with a BSW degree and volunteered on the Victim Services hotline for six years.


In Carol's spare time, she enjoys gardening, reading and camping. When reflecting on her new position, Carol shared, "I am passionate about empowering the people I work with." 
 
 
 Nicole Royer - Domestic Violence Case Manager 
 
Royer lived in Industry, Illinois before moving and graduating from Macomb High School. She received her Bachelor's degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration with a double minor in Psychology and Sociology from Western Illinois University.


In her spare time, Royer likes to farm with her husband, play softball, and spend time with friends and family. She says, "Working for Victim Services has been unimaginable. I could not ask to work with a better staff. I am grateful Victim Services has given me the opportunity to do something I love and have a passion for."
 
 
New Intern

Aubrey Smith - Intern

Aubrey Smith began her internship with Victim Services in late January.  Smith has been volunteering for Victim Services and its awareness campaigns for the last five years. Smith graduated from West Prairie High School in 2012 and will be graduating from Carl Sandburg College in May of 2015 with an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice.


She enjoys reading and fishing. She says, "I am happy I am having the opportunity to intern with Victim Services. This experience is teaching me more than a book could ever have."
 

  

WIRC-CAA Victim Services

The Victim Services Program provides free and confidential services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Hancock, Henderson, McDonough and Warren counties.

WIRC-CAA Victim Services
P. O. Box 157
Macomb, IL 61455
(309) 837-6622 (Domestic Violence)
(309) 836-2148 (Sexual Assault)
24-Hour Crisis Line (309) 837-5555
[email protected]
http:\\www.wirpc.org