Domestic Violence Memorial

Domestic Violence Memorial Service at AMH Oct. 21

 

To shed light on domestic violence and remember the victims and their families, Alton Memorial Hospital is hosting a special memorial service from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, in the Alton Memorial Hospital Cafeteria A & B Conference Room.

Speakers will include Chief Judge Christopher Threlkeld, Madison County Circuit Court; Judge Maureen Schuette, Chair of the Third Judicial Circuit Family Violence Prevention Committee and Chair of the Court Committee; Chief Deputy Sheriff Marcos Pulido, Madison County Sheriff’s Office; Cara Mellan, Regional Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee. Judge Maureen Schuette will emcee the event. Also, a survivor of domestic violence will speak about her own experiences and healing from abuse. There will also be special music provided by the Great Rivers Choral Society, resource tables, and refreshments.

One in every three women and one in every seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, and anyone can be a victim regardless of gender, age, race, income, or sexual orientation. In Madison County since 1996, at least 155 people have died in domestic violence-related circumstances.

Because of the prevalence of domestic violence, Alton Memorial Hospital in 2002 began screening for domestic violence for everyone 12 and older who was being assessed in the hospital. Trained staff members confidentially ask these patients if they feel safe at home or have experienced mental, physical, or sexual abuse.

Alton Memorial supports a coordinated domestic violence committee that includes members from the hospital staff, Oasis Women’s Center, Church Women United, Zonta Club of Alton-Wood River, Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, Riverbend Head Start & Family Services, Refuge, Metro East Every Survivor Counts, Riverbend Family Ministries, Madison County Child Advocacy Center, Sacred Spaces of Care, and the YWCA.

The Madison County Clothesline Exhibit from the Oasis Women’s Center in Alton will be on display in the Alton Memorial Hospital connector lobby during the event. The display was created by women and children who have suffered from domestic violence. 

              If you are a victim of domestic violence and need help, call 618-465-1978.

 

The Madison County Clothesline Exhibit currently on display in the Alton Memorial Hospital Connector Lobby offers a sobering reminder about the effects of domestic violence.