Domestic Violence
Professional Education

A Safe Place offers ongoing domestic violence training to area police departments, the sheriff's department, judges, victim advocates and personnel from the State's Attorney's, probation, and Public Defender's offices.  Emergency room and other health care providers; staff members of area service agencies; clergy; and school social workers, administration, and teaching staffs are offered education sessions that address domestic violence assistance that each can offer within their profession. 

Knowledge of specific patterns of domestic violence, the interpersonal dynamics of abuse, and the inherent danger are of great value to these people as they work with both victims and abusers.

The 40-hour domestic violence training program is now offered in formats that allow more accessibility to professionals in the social and legal service areas.

If you would like more information about A Safe Place's professional education services, please call us at 847-731-7165 or email us at info@asafeplaceforhelp.org.

Professional Training and Community Education
Current Events:

December 2009:

^{·         Annual Officer In-service training provided to law enforcement of Lake County on a monthly basis.}

^{·         Domestic violence education/safety planning information provided monthly to Women’s Group at Gateway (16 women participants).}

^{·         Domestic Violence Advocacy Program participation with Mundelein Police Department: ride-along and roll call training scheduled for March. (*discussion continues with Lake Zurich Police Department to possibly replicate program or create a similar partnership program*).}

^{·         Meeting with Mark Hunter for the upcoming “Wounded Spirits” training, which is an all-day conference for faith community members regarding the church’s response to and awareness of domestic violence.  Training offered in December to 4 participants, and PPE Coordinator co-facilitated for a portion of the session regarding DV indicators and A Safe Place services.}

^{·         Teleconference held with DHS staff for Rescue and Restore program, Bureau of Domestic and Sexual Violence, and PPE Coordinator regarding collaborative training on the issues of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking.}

^{·         Filming of “Enforce Justice” for Comcast public access television; 12 minute segment on behalf of A Safe Place set to air in February.}

^{·         Domestic violence education, safety planning, and ASP service information provided to adult probation groups of Lake County in both English and Spanish.}

^{·         VESSA (Victim’s Economic Security and Safety Act) training co-sponsored by A Safe Place, Family Violence Coordinating Council, and College of Lake County to Lake County law enforcement, attorneys, service providers, and business personnel.}

November 2009:

^{·         Annual Officer In-service training provided to law enforcement of Lake County on a monthly basis.}

^{·         Domestic violence education/safety planning information provided monthly to Women’s Group at Gateway (18 women).}

^{·         Domestic Violence Advocacy Program participation with Mundelein Police Department: ride-along in November (*discussion with Lake Zurich Police Department progressed to possibly replicate program or create a similar partnership program*).}

^{·         DV Training and A Safe Place service information provided to PADS Family Center staff.}

^{·         A Safe Place service information and DV Education presented to Dominican University graduate level Social Work class.}

^{·         DHS co-location counselor provided DV training to IDHS caseworkers.}

^{·         A Safe Place information presented to the Village Club of Lincolnshire.}

^{·         A Safe Place represented at Lake County Bar Association Meeting by Development Director.}

^{·         Participated Lake Forest tree lighting party.}

^{·         Shelter Open House held.}

^{·         Networking Luncheon/informational presentation presented by BENNU Legal Services, NFP in Gurnee, “Immigration and You: Coming to America in the New Millennium.”}

^{·         40-hour Domestic Violence training scheduled, but cancelled due to low attendance.}

^{October 2009:}

^{·         Annual Officer In-service training provided to law enforcement of Lake County on a monthly basis.}

^{·         Brown-bag lunch meeting held with Senior Court Advocate, D-100 Volunteers, and Judge Joseph Waldeck.}

^{·         Domestic violence education/safety planning information provided monthly to Women’s Group at Gateway (18 women participants).}

^{·         Domestic Violence Advocacy Program participation with Mundelein Police Department: ride-along scheduled for November. (*discussion continues with Lake Zurich Police Department to possibly replicate program or create a similar partnership program*).}

^{·         ASP information distributed at “Edible Harvest Festival” promoting health and wellness for Avon township/Grayslake area residents.}

^{·         Collaborative training with A Safe Place, Family Violence Coordinating Council, and Children’s Advocacy Center provided to Woodland School District teachers, school counselors, and social workers to address family violence/child abuse/domestic violence.}

^{·         Annual Candle Lighting Vigil held for community and survivors, including week of resource tables in the Waukegan courthouse and City Hall.}

^{·         A Safe Place information distributed at Carol Sente Town Hall meeting.}

^{·         Annual Dinner hosted featuring keynote speaker Michelle Weldon, author of I Closed My Eyes.}

^{·         Participation in Moraine Township meeting.}

^{·         A Safe Place information shared at Kiwanis of Zion Benton meeting.}

^{·         Up to Us—Men’s Initiative pilot presentation held at Gurnee Community Church.}

^{·         Domestic violence education/safety planning information provided to women at PADS Family Center.}

^{·         Domestic violence education/safety planning information provided to women at Catholic Charities women’s groups in both English and Spanish.}

^{·         Coordinator of Professional and Prevention Education met with Health Education Department Chair of Antioch Community High School to discuss DV professional training for staff and prevention education for students.}

September 2009:

^{·         Annual Officer In-service training provided to law enforcement of Lake County on a monthly basis.}

^{·         Domestic violence education/safety planning information provided monthly to Women’s Group at Gateway (15 women).}

^{·         Domestic Violence Advocacy Program participation with Mundelein Police Department: ride-along in September (*discussion with Lake Zurich Police Department progressed to possibly replicate program or create a similar partnership program*).}

^{·         A Safe Place resource table offered at “Fashion Bug” store fashion show.}

^{·         DV Training and A Safe Place service information provided to VA Medical Center Social Workers and staff.}

^{·         A Safe Place service information presented to Loyola University Chicago graduate level Social Work class.}

^{·         Prevention Educator attended the Family Bridges’ Family & Marriage Conference, at which DV and A Safe Place information was provided to community members from Lake, Cook, McHenry, and other Counties.}

^{·         DHS co-location counselor provided DV training to IDHS caseworkers.}

^{·         DV Training and A Safe Place service information presented to Trinity Counseling Center staff of Deerfield.}

^{·         A Safe Place information presented to the Village Club of Lincolnshire.}

^{·         A Safe Place information/DV education presented to Molly Maids of North Shore.}

^{·         A Safe Place presentation to the Networking Group in Northbrook.}

^{Committees Attended, 2009}

^{·         Non-residential advocate continues to attend PEC committee meetings (Partnership for an Enriched Community).}

^{·         IPDAV Coordinator continues to attend Lake County Providers meetings along with several other Lake County social service agencies/service providers; Coordinator of Professional and Prevention Education continues to participate in Treatment Providers Screening Committee; also continues to participate in Lake County Domestic Violence Council with Senior Court Advocate, IPDAV Coordinator and Executive Director.}  

^{·         Coordinator of Professional and Prevention Education continues to participate in Family Violence Coordinating Council Health, Steering, and Education committees.}

^{·         Coordinator of Professional and Prevention Education participates in Chicago Area Outreach/Training/Volunteer DV Coordinators Collaborative Committee through email communications.}

^{·         Coordinator of Professional and Prevention Education continues to attend LCCPA (Lake County Chiefs of Police Association) meetings monthly along with several area law enforcement personnel and other service providers.}  

^{·         Coordinator of Professional and Prevention Education continues to meet and communicate with network partners (YWCA, LaCASA/Zacharias Center, local law enforcement, Arden Shore, Catholic Charities, Center on Halsted, Lake County SAO staff, etc.).}

^{·         Coordinator of Professional and Prevention Education involved in the Teen Dating Violence Committee, an initiative formed by the State’s Attorney’s Office and includes several other community service providers, formulated to respond as a community by creating a tool kit for educators.}

^{·         Coordinator of Professional and Prevention Education, Senior Court Advocate, and IPDAV Coordinator participate in Lake County Firearms Committee hosted by Lake County SAO to create policy surrounding weapons removal and regulation for DV offenders/OP violators.}

^{·         ASP staff, including Coordinator of Professional and Prevention Education, participate in Up to Us: A Men’s Initiative, including community members and other professionals to increase men’s involvement and awareness around the topics of abuse and gender violence.}

^{·         Bi-lingual Court Advocate continues to participate in Latino Coalition meetings.}

^{·         Professional and Prevention Education department offers bi-monthly volunteer meetings with PPE volunteers to network and share upcoming events.}

^{·         ASP is now a member of JCARES (Jewish Community Abuse Resources Education & Solutions), which is a coalition of Chicago-land Jewish and secular organizations, agencies, rabbis and advocates that collaboratively create, support and influence initiatives and policies to prevent, address and respond to abuse in Jewish homes, families and relationships.  JCARES is administered by Jewish Child & Family Services.  ASP is represented by PPE Coordinator.}

^{·         _{Coordinator of Professional and Prevention Education collaborating at the state level (ILFVCC) to create a Safe Pets program/initiative for IL to increase service and coordination between these issues.  PPE Coordinator now serves as co-chair of this coalition.}}

^{July 2008:}

^{-          Staff in-service training featuring Childserv}

^{-          Advocate Good Shepard Hospital in Barrington “Lunch and Learn” with hospital staff; topics include A Safe Place services, key indicators of abuse, safety planning and responding to victims of abuse and violence}

^{-          A Safe Place will meet with the Grayslake Exchange Club – along with members of the Family Violence Coordinating Council – to discuss domestic violence in the workplace and responding safely to employees who are victims of abuse}

^{-          Staff in-service training featuring CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)}

^{-          Professional training to be provided to OB/GYN of Libertyville staff; topics include A Safe Place services, key indicators of abuse, the risks of pregnancy for victims of intimate partner violence, safety planning, and responding to victims of abuse and violence}

 ^{August 2008:}

^{-          Domestic Violence awareness training and ASP service information will be provided to women’s group at Gateway Foundation (substance abuse recovery program)}

^{-          Information will be provided to Paramedic Licensing program at Highland Park Hospital; topics include A Safe Place services, key indicators of abuse, safety planning and responding to victims of abuse and violence}

^{-          Staff in-service to be provided by Lake County Adult Probation}

^{September 2008:}

^{-          40-hour domestic violence awareness and intervention training program available to new staff, volunteers, and community professionals; will be held on evenings and weekends from Sept. 4-25 at the College of Lake County.   Contact Liz Fales for more information at (847)731-7165 x 102 or Kate Cothell for volunteer info at (847)731-7165 x 108.}  

^{-          Friends of A Safe Place luncheon, including domestic violence awareness information}

^{-          A Safe Place will participate in a collaborative training with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office geared towards local law enforcement; topics will include working with victims of abuse, including immigrant families, VAWA, and safe responses to violence in the home}

^{Professional Training and Community Education
Recent Events:}

^{June 2008:}

^{-          40-hour domestic violence awareness and intervention training program available to new staff, volunteers, and community professionals; will be held on June 16, 17, 18, 19 and 23, 24, 25, and 26 at the College of Lake County.   Contact Liz Fales for more information at (847)731-7165 x 102 or Kate Cothell for volunteer info at (847)731-7165 x 108.}  

^{-          Domestic Violence awareness training and ASP service information will be provided to women’s group at Gateway Foundation (substance abuse recovery program)}

^{-          Family Violence Coordinating Council School Guidebook training will be provided to the staff of Gurnee Park District, including summer camp counselors, to raise awareness, and address dynamics of abuse and violence, key indicators of abuse, and responding to victims of abuse; A Safe Place will present in collaboration with the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center and DCFS}

^{-          Teleconference sponsored by the Chicago Foundation for Women: “Health of Young Women Impacted by the Sex Trade”}

^{-          Family Violence Coordinating Council statewide train-the-trainer conference in Springfield: “Firearms and Domestic Violence”}

^{May 2008:}

^{-          Professional Training provided to the staff at Kids Hope United on domestic violence, the effects on children, and teen dating violence}

^{-          Training offered to volunteers at CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) about the effects of witnessing violence on children and child abuse intervention}

^{-          Annual Officer In-service week-long training, which includes 2 hours of DV training provided by A Safe Place available to Lake County Law Enforcement}

^{-          Hawthorn Woods Women’s Club Spring Luncheon}

^{-          Deer Path Middle School Parent Meeting to discuss Prevention Education program and responding to teen dating violence as a parent (Lake Forest)}

^{-          Teleconference sponsored by Jewish Women International featuring Lundy Bancroft: “Kids Caught in the Crossfire”}

^{-          Staff in-service featuring film and discussion of “Turning a Corner”, which addresses prostitution and the sex trade in the Chicago area}  

^{-          Domestic Violence Awareness provided to several probation’s groups throughout the months of April and May in both English and Spanish}

^{April 2008:}

^{-          April was Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month.   In recognition of this, A Safe Place along with other members of the Family Violence Coordinating Council of Lake County offered a series of free trainings to educators about domestic violence, child abuse, teen dating violence, and the effects of substance abuse on families.   Trainings were at CLC in Grayslake on April 8, 15, 22, and 29 and had excellent turn-out and feedback from participants.}

^{-          Domestic Violence awareness training and ASP service information provided to women’s group at Gateway Foundation (substance abuse recovery program)}

^{-          Annual Officer In-service week-long training, which includes 2 hours of DV training provided by Coordinator of Professional and Prevention Education available to Lake County Law Enforcement}

^{-          A Safe Place welcomed Gurnee Firefighter Bill Burkhart to provide CPR/First Aid training to staff.   Special thanks to Bill for an excellent training!}  

^{-          Staff in-service provided by Prairie State Legal Services and National Immigrant Justice Center}

^{-          Professional training provided to Prairie State Legal Services on Risk Assessment, Safety Planning, and Working with DV Victims and Survivors}

^{-          Volunteer Recognition night for A Safe Place volunteers (April 29)}

^{March 2008:}

^{-          Professional training provided to all shifts of Grayslake Fire Dept. along with other members of the Family Violence Coordinating Council of Lake County (FVCC) such as Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center, Catholic Charities, and Children’s Advocacy Center – topics ranging from Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, child abuse, substance abuse, and elder abuse}

^{-          Domestic Violence awareness training and A Safe Place (ASP) service information presented to Zacharias Center (formerly LaCASA) Volunteers}

^{-          5 officers from Lake Forest Police Department and one officer from Buffalo Grove participated in the Annual Officer In-service week-long training, which includes 2 hours of DV training provided by Coordinator of Professional and Prevention Education}

^{-          Domestic Violence awareness training and A Safe Place (ASP) service information presented to women’s survivor group at Holy Family Church in Waukegan (*Spanish-speaking group)}

^{-          Participated in Junior League of Chicago 2008 Spring Breakfast Networking Forum}

^{-          Domestic Violence awareness training and ASP service information provided to Lake County Women’s Probation Trauma group}

^{-          Domestic Violence (DV) awareness, Effects of DV on Children, Teen Dating Violence and ASP service information professional training provided to Arden Shore Family Counseling Center staff of Vernon Hills}

^{-          PPE Coordinator met with members of Mundelein Police Dept. (including Chief Rose) and Mundelein school administrators to discuss the organization and implementation of Chicago Foundation for Women grant project, particularly the involvement of prevention education programs and professional training in Mundelein schools (project includes: ride-alongs, follow-up calls, enhanced professional training, community awareness/involvement, and prevention education to Mundelein schools)}

^{-          Staff in-service training provided by Nicasa: Gambling Awareness and Domestic Violence}

^{-          Staff in-service provided by Lake County Health Department Women’s Residential Services (WRS) Program: WRS services, Domestic Violence, Mental Health and Substance Abuse}

^{February 2008:}

^{-          40-hour domestic violence awareness and intervention training program available to new staff, volunteers, and community professionals}

^{-          Training to CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers}

^{-          Domestic Violence (DV) awareness, Effects of DV on Children, Teen Dating Violence and ASP service information professional training provided to deans and social workers at Grayslake North High School}

^{-          5 officers from Lake Forest Police Department and one officer from a Cook County department (Berwin) participated in the Annual Officer In-service week-long training, which includes 2 hours of DV training}

^{-          Co-facilitated group to discuss the effects of domestic violence on children for mom’s group at Mary Pat Maddox,   (substance abuse recovery/transitional living program for women at Catholic Charities)}

^{-          Professional training follow-up provided to all 3 shifts on Gurnee Fire Department; topic: Effects of Domestic Violence on Children}

^{-          Family Violence Coordinating Council School Guidebook training provided to Wauconda schools, presented by ASP and other members of council (including Children’s Advocacy Center, DCFS, and Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office) on Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse intervention and prevention}

^{-          Domestic Violence awareness training and ASP service information provided to women’s group at Gateway Foundation (substance abuse recovery program)}

^{-          Executive Director and PPE Coordinator met with members of Mundelein Police Dept. (including Chief Rose) to discuss the organization and implementation of Chicago Foundation for Women grant project (ride-alongs, follow-up calls, enhanced professional training, community awareness/involvement, and prevention education to Mundelein schools)}

^{-          PPE Coordinator continues to meet with Network partners (YWCA, LaCASA/Zacharias Center, local law enforcement, Arden Shore, Catholic Charities, etc.)}

^{-          Staff in-service training provided by Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (formerly LaCASA): Age-Appropriate Sexual Behavior in Children, Warning Signs of Abuse, and services available to families}  

^{January 2008:}

^{-          YWCA Parenting Groups to discuss domestic violence awareness and effects of domestic violence on children}

^{-          Mary Pat Maddex Mom’s Group to discuss domestic violence awareness and effects of domestic violence on children, which is a branch of Catholic Charities and transitional living program for women recovering from substance abuse}

^{-          Domestic Violence awareness training and A Safe Place (ASP) service information presented to parent group at Red Oak School in Highland Park (*Spanish-speaking parent group)}

^{-          5 officers from Lake Forest Police Department and one officer from Winthrop Harbor participated in the Annual Officer In-service week-long training, which includes 2 hours of DV training provided by Coordinator of Professional and Prevention Education}

^{-          Domestic Violence awareness training and ASP service information provided to series of mom’s groups at YWCA (weekly for the month of January)}  

^{-          Professional training provided to Beach Park Fire Dept. along with other members of the Family Violence Coordinating Council of Lake County (FVCC) such as Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center, Catholic Charities, and Children’s Advocacy Center – topics ranging from Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, child abuse, substance abuse, and elder abuse}

^{-          Domestic violence education and ASP service info provided at EMS training (paramedic school) at Highland Park hospital}

^{-          Meeting held with Grayslake Police Department to discuss professional training opportunities}  

^{-          Staff In-service provided by Lake County YWCA: Services Available and Daycare Referral Program details}  

^{Professional Training and Community Education On-going Community Involvement:}

^{19th Judicial Circuit Family Violence Coordinating Council
Made up of members throughout Lake County from social services agencies, the legal community, the faith community, the health community, educators, and other members of the professional community.   There are 5 subcommittees, including health committee, faith committee, education committee, symposium committee, and steering committee, all of which are focused on improving community response to family violence in each of the subcategories.}  

^{Lake County Chiefs of Police Association
Monthly meetings for Lake County Chiefs of Police and the State’s Attorney’s Office to collaborate and discuss upcoming trainings.   Social service providers such as A Safe Place (ASP), LaCASA/Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center, and Children’s Advocacy Center also participate.}  

^{Chicago Area Domestic Violence Providers Outreach/Training/Volunteer Coordinators Collaborative Committee
Bi-monthly meetings in Chicago with other area providers to network, share resources, and collaborate for training, etc.}

^{Lake County Domestic Violence Council
Collaborative meetings with A Safe Place (ASP), Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, Abuser Service Providers, Public Defenders Office, Law Enforcement, Judges, and other social service agencies throughout Lake County to address on-going issues related to DV; also participate in the Domestic Violence Services subcommittee.}

Other Domestic Violence Shelter Programs and Services

• Emergency shelter
• 24-hour help line
• Individual counseling
• Group counseling
• Court advocacy
• Referrals and information/non-legal advocacy
• Prevention education
• Community education
• Abuser services
• Children's services

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Everyone has the right to a violence-free, safe and healthy life.
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