In recognition of Domestic Violence Prevention Month, the Chicago-based group “Between Friends” presented its 28th Annual Light Up the Lakefront event.
Candle Lighting In Lakefront
The survivors, advocates, and rescuers were among numerous people who gathered at North Avenue Beach on Sunday night.
Chicago hosted a remarkable exhibit decorated with candles on the city’s lakefront on Oct. 1, 2023. Each flame symbolizes a story of their existence, loss, and mental toughness, while also illuminating the path for those suffering from domestic abuse.
“A powerful representation for everyone to witness the damage that’s been happening to our community for years. It’s a lot more than just another tragic reminder. It’s also an act of dedication and a symbol of hope,” said Verda Bhatti, director of Prevention & Community Education.
The candles not only present the dark reality of domestic violence, but they also shine a light on a community willing to provide assistance to those in need, according to the representatives
Benefits To Those Who Struggle
The group of Between Friends provides inexpensive help for persons affected by domestic abuse, as well as safeguarding and educational activities.
“The help is required to be available all year. This is why our dedication must be year-round. Domestic abuse doesn’t seem to be going away,” Bhatti said.
“It’s upsetting to me because nobody should ever have to experience what you’ve been going through, and a lot of folks don’t have loved ones or people they care about to turn to”, said teenage volunteer Cortland Thomas.
“Your humanity is somewhat regained when you have the ability to recognize the thing that’s so humiliating for so many does not need to be in the dark,” Allegra Twichell, an attendee, said. “It can be an environment filled with fellowship and love.”
Support Against DV
In 2020, the rate of domestic abuse increased due to the lockdown and stressful year.
On Nov. 25, 2020, women all throughout the world honored International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, noting how lockdowns caused by the pandemic had imprisoned many women with their abusers, exposing them to greater danger.
There has been a few protest toward Domestic violence, but not enough. Just about 10 million people deal and suffer with abuse each year according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). In the U.S., an intimate partner physically abuses around 20 people per minute.
There is different types of abusive behaviors. For example:
- Physical violence.
- Verbal violence (hate speech).
- Sexual violence.
- Socio-economic violence.
Additionally, many other types of abuse that are severely overlooked that lead the victim to mental illness or even death.
When there are clear red flags/warning signs in people being mistreated a person should help out when they can rather then wait until it’s too late.
It is easy to recognize a person is being mistreated, by their mentality towards life, confusion in proper behavior, mood changing when triggers like “play fighting” or “dark humor jokes.” If it comes to physical abuse, the signs could be more obvious like “random” bruising almost every day or in some occasions, everyday.
Written by Angelika Cano
Sources:
ABC News: Chicago nonprofit hosts Light Up the Lakefront in honor of Domestic Violence Prevention Month
Haystack News: Chicago nonprofit hosts Light Up the Lakefront in honor of Domestic Violence Prevention Month
Between Friends: Our Mission
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Duncan Cumming Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Focal Foto Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
