This morning, the programing committee of the Violence Prevention Center (VPC) board gathered to brainstorm ways to recognize the VPC’s 30 years of services to Cook County. It is a strange thing to plan ways to celebrate a vital community institution that I fervently wish did not have to exist.
For three decades, the Violence Prevention Center staff and volunteers have worked to support victims of sexual and domestic violence and their loved ones—listening, counseling, advocating, guiding, referring. The services are confidential, free and available to anyone 24/7. This service is invaluable to those of us working with victims in other settings like the clinic, hospital, law enforcement and social services.
At the same time, the VPC is really trying to work itself out of a job by promoting awareness and education with the hope of creating a community that doesn’t tolerate violence of any kind.
This is a problem we need to work on together because violence is still happening in this community. It is happening to some one you know. I would ask that each of us take time to consider how to be part of the solution. We can all make a difference.
Visit: violencepreventioncenter.org or call 387-1262 . If you or someone you know is suffering violence, talk to them, listen to them and refer them to the VPC for help and support.
. Educate yourself.
. Intervene when you see concerning behavior.
. Speak up when you hear harmful comments or jokes.
. Talk to your kids and friends about healthy boundaries, safe relationships, and active consent.
. Join the Friends of the Violence Prevention Center.
. Attend VPC sponsored events.
. Make a donation to support the work of the VPC.
. Train to become a volunteer advocate.
Join us in working toward a community free of violence.
Jenny Delfs, MD
VPC Board member
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