October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Elgin Community College’s Office of Student Life is partnering with the Community Crisis Center to bring Detective Nicole Krupp, Kane County Sheriff’s Office, as the keynote speaker for a Domestic Violence Awareness Rally on Thursday, October 26, from 7 to 8 pm. in the Seigle Auditorium, Building E, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, Ill. Admission is free and open to the public. The event will end with a candlelight vigil.
Krupp will speak about her experience working with survivors of domestic violence and the resources available via the Sheriff’s Office and typical police protocol. A reading of local survivor stories will follow, along with a candlelight vigil in memory and honor of all victims of domestic violence.
Before the keynote address is the “In Her Shoes” interactive activity that involves actual scenarios that portray what a domestic violence victim may experience and the barriers they face. “In Her Shoes” occurs in the Building E Lobby from 5:30 to 7 pm.
“Anyone can encounter domestic violence (DV) directly or indirectly in numerous ways; it’s not always or just physical abuse,” said Megan Highland, student life coordinator. “Partnering with the Community Crisis Center to bring education and awareness of this topic to campus is vital in helping people better understand what DV is and its full impact, how to help someone or get help yourself, and to know there is hope.”
Counselors, social workers, and other professionals may receive one free continuing education unit (CEU) for attending the October 26 rally event. ECC’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities are sponsored by ECC’s Office of Student Life and the Community Crisis Center of Elgin.
The ECC Library compiled a research guide about domestic violence, including resources available. To view the guide, visit library.elgin.edu/domesticviolence. Those needing assistance or support can call the Community Crisis Center’s 24/7 Crisis Hotline at 847-697-2380 or 847-697-9740 (Spanish).
For more information on the events, contact The Office of Student Life at 847-214-7370 or the Community Crisis Center at 847-697-2380.
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ABOUT ELGIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
An Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction and one of the Aspen Institute’s Top 25 schools in the nation, Elgin Community College (ECC) is a comprehensive, fully accredited public community college and serves approximately 16,000 students each year. Programs of study include more than 30 major fields for university transfer, a full complement of pre-collegiate courses, corporate and continuing education, and more than 130 career-oriented occupational degrees and certificates. ECC is also a U.S. Department of Education-designated Hispanic Serving Institution and a Military Friendly® School.