Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) 2023

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) across the nation. During DVAM, victim advocates, allies, survivors of abuse, their loved ones, and communities come together to mourn the lives lost to domestic violence and raise awareness to end this epidemic. North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic (NSLAC) continues to take an impactful stand against domestic violence, providing them with the necessary legal advocacy and compassionate support to help them safely achieve independence. NSLAC has planned a series of engaging events and initiatives to raise awareness, educate the community, and provide essential support to those affected by domestic violence during the month of October.

Find out more about NSLAC's unique DVAM opportunities below.

Judy's Pizza of Highland Park offers 'Round Up' All Month Long and Dine and Donate

Judy's Pizza is a family-owned local pizzeria serving the best pizza in town. The pizzeria was established in 1979 in Deerfield and in 1996, moved to its current location in Highland Park, IL. Judy’s uses the highest quality ingredients from locally sourced vendors, with each pizza crafted to your liking. North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic has partnered with Judy’s Pizza at 1855 Deerfield Road, Highland Park, for October to educate and mobilize the public about DVAM. 

  • Round-Up in October – Judy’s Pizza will be asking guests to “round up” on their purchases for the whole month of October for proceeds to benefit NSLAC. 
  • Dine and donate - Judy’s Pizza will donate 20% of sales made on Saturday, October 7th to NSLAC.

  

Shake, Stretch, and Strengthen: Empowering Voices to End Domestic Violence 

Bar Method Highland Park and NSLAC team up to empower survivors and educate attendees during a special Domestic Violence Awareness Month full day of classes. In recognition of DVAM, all classes scheduled on Saturday, October 14, are part of this impactful event, uniting our community with a shared purpose.  

Event Details: 

  • Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023 
  • Location: Bar Method Highland Park, 600 Central Avenue, Suite 127 (Port Clinton) 
  • Classes: All Classes throughout the day (7:45 AM, 8:45 AM, 10:00 AM, and 11:15 AM) 
  • Special session: 11:15 AM, join Bar Method and NSLAC for an opportunity to engage with Director of Domestic Violence Rebecca Weininger in a unique Q&A session. Gain invaluable insights from a leading expert on domestic violence and discover ways to get help or be an ally to someone in need. 
  • Open to all fitness levels 

Members and guests are encouraged to register using the special discount code “DVAM” on the Bar Method app or website (https://barmethod.com/locations/highland-park/) to enjoy a complimentary drop-in class that empowers the body and mind. For those who prefer direct registration, contact Bar Method Highland Park at 847 432 9150 or email hp@barmethod.com. Space is limited. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple, symbolizing unity and support for survivors of domestic violence, and will be automatically entered into a raffle just for wearing purple.

Taste for Change: Culinary Learning to Support Survivors 

NSLAC is hosting an exclusive cooking event at Bella Ru Catering in Highland Park on October 18 at 6:30 PM. Guests can enjoy a unique culinary experience while learning about how to take a stand against domestic violence. Donations are suggested and will benefit NSLAC. Space is limited. For more information email Greg Davenport at GDavenport@NSLegalAid.org.

PACE Bus Advertising Campaign 

PACE has generously donated advertising space on buses that route through suburban Cook County and throughout Lake County. NSLAC’s ad displays information about how to obtain help if you or someone you know is living in fear and danger. 

 

End DV Fund 

NSLAC is passionate, driven, and dedicated to helping survivors. With the help of generous donors Karyn and Bill Silverstein, we are pleased to establish the End DV Fund and will match funds donated during DVAM. This fund ensures that NSLAC has the critical resources needed to provide free legal services to domestic violence survivors in need of immediate help within suburban Cook County and throughout Lake County. Join Karyn and Bill by making your donation today.

Social Media Sharing 

NSLAC will harness the power of social media and will once again launch a compelling awareness campaign throughout October. Engaging content will include resources, stories, and events. Sharing NSLAC’s social media posts is encouraged throughout October on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn using the hashtags #DVAM, #NoMoreDomesticViolence, #EndDomesticViolence, and #EndDV.  

 

Town Hall Visits and Recognition 

NSLAC works closely with government partners in north suburban Cook County and throughout Lake County. NSLAC is scheduled to speak about what communities can do to make a difference to stop domestic violence at upcoming public board and trustee meetings at the City of Highwood, the City of Highland Park, the Village of Skokie, and the Village of Glencoe. Other municipalities partnering with the NSLAC include the the Village of Northbrook, the Village of Palatine, and the City of Lake Forest. This acknowledgment by local leaders highlights the significance of NSLAC’s efforts and encourages community-wide commitment to ending domestic abuse. 

 

Domestic Violence Awareness Podcast Library 

NSLAC hosts the original podcast, “Shouting from the Rooftops: Destigmatizing Domestic Violence.” A library of conversations exposes and explores the challenges that face those who experience domestic violence and how the intersectionality of survivors’ other identities affects their road to independence.  

The series is available at https://nslegalaid.org/shouting-from-the-rooftops-destigmatizing-domestic-violence-podcast/.