This April, Victim Services will again be visiting courthouses and local businesses to remind people that they need to Start by Believing.
Kathy Simmons Memorial 5K Walk/Run/Roll 2016

Register Now! 
Sexual Assault Awareness Month Activities and More...


 

 
Start by Believing
It's Not Just a Catch Phrase
The Start by Believing Campaign began in 2011. The campaign has been adopted by more than 130 communities in the U.S. and others around the world.  By joining forces, the campaign hopes to create change by people believing the victim and supporting that person through a devastating time in their life.

Start by Believing asks us to self-check our words and actions and be honest to ourselves "are we really BELIEVING?" Believing calls to action compassion, understanding and kindness. How are we really  doing?
 
In the past five years , working closely with sexual assault victims and their families, I have seen some wonderful healing experiences.  I have also seen some of the worst that perpetrators can do to people.  While what the perpetrators do to their victims is awful, what I find equally appalling is what the friends, families and communities do to the victims of assault.  Read more...
Congratulations to Carol Smith, VS Counselor! Carol received her Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional certification after completing the final three step process. She previously completed the mandated 40 hour training in domestic violence issues and 150 hours of supervision at the agency. On February 20, 2016, Carol passed the test on domestic violence issues, services and the Illinois Domestic Violence Act.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
The Grooming of a Community

Perpetrators of child abuse may gain the trust of potential child victims and their caregivers by methodically "grooming " them. To learn more about "grooming" click here. 

 
 
The Spotlight on Child Abuse
The movie looks at the Boston Globe's coverage of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.
Read more to see how the Boston Globe brought sexual abuse of children to the forefront. 
 
 
It Takes a Village

How to create strong community support for victims of sexual assault.

WIRC-CAA Victim Services is a program that has addressed sexual and domestic abuse for over 25 years and is dedicated to the health and well-being of children and adults. Victim Services' service region is Hancock, Henderson, McDonough and Warren counties in Illinois. For help call Victim Service's 24-hour crisis line at
(309) 837-5555.

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