Carbondale Reporter

Illinois state Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) wants residents of his district to be mindful that October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and that they should be doing all they can to make certain everyone around them is safe.

“During this national month dedicated to domestic violence awareness, I want the people of the 118th district and all of Southern Illinois to be aware that there are domestic violence services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year through the State of Illinois and key partners throughout Southern Illinois,” Windhorst said in a press release. “I am urging that if you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence or abuse, please know that free and confidential help is available. It is imperative to take action by calling the state’s domestic violence hotline, the Southern Illinois Women’s Center or Guardian Family Services of Metropolis.”

Started by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the monthlong information and awareness campaign has been around for almost four decades. In the Metropolis area, facilities such as the Illinois domestic violence hotline, the Southern Illinois Women’s Center and Guardian Family Services of Metropolis are all on hand to assist those in need.

The State of Illinois staffs a toll-free domestic violence hotline through the Illinois Department of Human Services at 877-863-6338. The state also works with a number of domestic violence agencies in providing such services for victims as counseling, legal advocacy, children’s services, temporary food and housing, domestic violence education, emergency medical care, transportation, employment assistance and child care.

“The services offered through the Department of Human Services and its local partners are free and private, and available regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, income, disability or sexual orientation,” Windhorst said in the release. “If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic violence or abuse, please know that help is available and take action by calling the State of Illinois’ domestic violence hotline, the Southern Illinois Women’s Center or Guardian Family Services in Metropolis.”