Throughout the month of October, we have been learning about domestic violence — its definition and those impacted.  This week we will focus on supporting survivors.

According to National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, over 10 million adults experience domestic violence each year. The National Domestic Violence Hotline includes recommendations for supporting survivors emotionally and materially on their website.

This week, you have two opportunities to support survivors:

To provide emotional support: On Wednesday, Oct. 19, 8:30-10:30 a.m. and 1-3 p.m., join us in A. Lincoln Commons to write support messages on miniature pumpkins. Don’t worry if you can’t think of the right words, we have sample messages for you to use. When finished, you may take the pumpkin with you, or donate it to share with survivors at LLCC and at Sojourn Shelter.

To provide material support: During the week we will also be accepting donations of dental hygiene items, e.g., toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, etc., for Sojourn Shelter and Services. Donations may be dropped off at LLCC Student Life (lower level of Menard Hall, Room 0009). Outreach Centers will also be accepting donations.

Remember, rights and resources for survivors of domestic violence are available on our website.

Questions concerning Domestic Violence Awareness Month may be directed to Nikki Baker, compliance and prevention coordinator at nikki.baker@llcc.edu or 217-786-3426.

Reminder: Today at 9 a.m. in A. Lincoln Commons on the Springfield campus and via Teams — listen to one of our colleagues, Jolene Lamb, share her story of surviving domestic violence. You are invited to join us in-person or you may join this event via Teams Live Event.

Reminder: Visit the Silent Witness display hosted by Sojourn Shelters & Services, Inc. in A. Lincoln Commons. This powerful display honors those whose lives ended prematurely due to domestic violence. The display will be open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Remember, rights and resources for survivors of domestic violence are available on our website.

Questions concerning Domestic Violence Awareness Month may be directed to Nikki Baker, compliance and prevention coordinator at nikki.baker@llcc.edu or 217-786-3426.

As the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reminds us, “Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence. There is NO “typical victim.” Victims of domestic violence come from all walks of life, varying age groups, all backgrounds, all communities, all education levels, all economic levels, all cultures, all ethnicities, all religions, all abilities and all lifestyles.”

This week, members of the Lincoln Land community will have a chance to expand their perception of who is abused with two opportunities.

• Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Visit the Silent Witness display hosted by Sojourn Shelters & Services Inc. in A. Lincoln Commons. This powerful display honors those whose lives ended prematurely due to domestic violence.
• Oct. 13 at 9 a.m. in A. Lincoln Commons and via Teams — Listen to one of our colleagues, Jolene Lamb, share her story of surviving domestic violence. You are invited to join us in-person or you may join this event via Teams Live Event.

Remember, rights and resources for survivors of domestic violence are available on our website.

Questions concerning Domestic Violence Awareness Month may be directed to Nikki Baker, compliance and prevention coordinator at nikki.baker@llcc.edu or 217-786-3426.

Domestic violence affects everyone.

According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH), “Domestic violence (also referred to as intimate partner violence (IPV), dating abuse, or relationship abuse) is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.” NDVH also states that one in three women in the U.S. will experience rape, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner. Women ages 18-24 generally experience the highest rates of domestic violence.

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) reports that one in four men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner; one in seven have been severely abused. The American Psychological Association observes that there is severe underreporting from male victims because of the stigma associated with males being victims.

According to NCADV, more than 40% of black women have experienced intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner sexual violence and/or intimate partner stalking in their lifetimes. Forty four percent of lesbian women, 61% of bisexual women, 26% of gay men and 37.3% of bisexual men have survived domestic violence. Transgendered victims are more likely to experience intimate partner violence in public.

NCADV asserts, “Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence. There is NO “typical victim.” Victims of domestic violence come from all walks of life, varying age groups, all backgrounds, all communities, all education levels, all economic levels, all cultures, all ethnicities, all religions, all abilities and all lifestyles.”

Forms of domestic violence include battery, isolation, emotional abuse, financial abuse and threat of control of children.

As NCADV observes, domestic violence affects every aspect of a survivor’s life. It is estimated that more than 8,000,000 paid workdays are missed due to domestic violence every year. And the cost of domestic violence was estimated to exceed $8 million per year. This does not include the calculated loss of life and human worth.

Remember, rights and resources for survivors of domestic violence are available on our website.

Questions concerning Domestic Violence Awareness Month may be directed to Nikki Baker, compliance and prevention coordinator at nikki.baker@llcc.edu or 217-786-3426.

LLCC works to maintain a learning environment that is free from sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking (sexual violence). Recognizing that sexual violence jeopardizes the physical and emotional welfare of the college’s students, diminishes individual dignity and interferes with educational, social and employment opportunities, LLCC supports survivors of sexual violence regardless of when or where the violence occurred.

Sexual violence survivors may want to talk with a confidential advisor before making a decision about reporting the violence to the college. Effective Oct. 1, 2022, LLCC has entered into an agreement with Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault (PCASA) to serve as its confidential advisors. Students may contact PCASA 24-hours a day by calling 217-753-8081.

Discussions between a confidential advisor and a survivor pertaining to incidents of sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence and/or stalking will remain confidential unless the survivor provides written consent or the report falls within certain safety-related exceptions. Prior to the survivor discussing details of the event, the confidential advisor will inform survivors about any exceptions or laws that would require them to disclose the report. LLCC highly encourages survivors, loved ones of survivors and witnesses of sexual violence to contact our confidential advisors to discuss their safety, well-being and/or options.

Information concerning the rights and options of survivors is available on the LLCC website.

If you have any questions about the process for reporting, you may contact Nikki Baker, compliance and prevention coordinator at 217-786-3426.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month was launched in October 1987 to increase awareness. It is also a great time to highlight the available resources and remind survivors they are supported.

During the next month, we will be hosting events and sharing information to help you know more about domestic violence, who it affects, opportunities to support survivors and what you can do to put a cap on it.

Week of Oct. 3 – Do You Know About Domestic Violence?

Sharing information about domestic violence and sharing a button for you to show your commitment to knowing more so you can do more.

Week of Oct. 10 – Do You Know Us?

Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Visit the Silent Witness display hosted by Sojourn, in A. Lincoln Commons. This powerful display honors those whose lives ended prematurely due to domestic violence.

Oct. 13, 9 a.m. — A. Lincoln Commons and virtually — Listen to one of our colleagues, Jolene Lamb, share her story of surviving domestic violence.

Week of Oct. 17 – Do You Know How to Support Survivors?

Join us in decorating pumpkins with messages of support to survivors. Times and locations will be announced.

We will also be accepting donations of dental hygiene supplies to support current and future survivor families at Sojourn Shelter.

Week of Oct. 24 – Do You Know How to Put a Cap on Domestic Violence?

During the week, we will remind you of the work still needed to put a cap on domestic violence. There have been many gains since that first launch of Domestic Violence Awareness Month; there is much left to do.

Remember, rights and resources for survivors of domestic violence are available on our website.

Questions concerning Domestic Violence Awareness Month may be directed to Nikki Baker, compliance and prevention coordinator at nikki.baker@llcc.edu or 217-786-3426.

Ever have a situation with a student and wonder, “Is there something else I am supposed to do?” You may even remember you took some notes on your obligations during new faculty orientation or on professional development day but can’t quite remember where they are and wonder if they are still accurate. You are not alone. Based on input from faculty and administrators, LLCC Compliance and Prevention is pleased to introduce the Faculty Compliance Communication Padlet. The Padlet includes:

• Information you may need immediately,
• Information on faculty and staff responsibilities,
• Resources to help students,
• Possible wording you may use in your syllabus,
• Information on policies,
• A printable quick resource and
• A FAQ section.

Later this semester, QR codes will be posted in all LLCC classrooms so the information you need will always be right at your fingertips.

If you have any questions about the Faculty Compliance Communication Padlet or recommendations for improving it, please contact Nikki Baker, nikki.baker@llcc.edu or 217-786-3426.