Karina’s Law: A Life-Saving Step Forward for Survivors of Domestic Violence
On July 3, 2023, a woman named Karina Gonzalez and her 15-year-old daughter, Daniela, were tragically shot and killed by Karina’s husband when he violated an Order of Protection meant to keep them safe. Their deaths shook Illinois and highlighted dangerous gaps in the...
Hillary Douin, LCSW, CDVP, Named Next Executive Director of Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Chicago, IL, April 14, 2025 – Connections for Abused Women and Their Children (CAWC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Hillary Douin, LCSW, CDVP, as its next Executive Director. A dedicated leader in the nonprofit sector with over eleven...
Understanding Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month
Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM), also known as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, is recognized every April in the United States as a time to raise public awareness about sexual violence and sexual assault prevention. Organizations, advocates, and...
Beyond Emergency Shelter: Domestic Violence Nonprofits Provide 24/7 Advocacy and Support Services
When people think about a domestic violence service center, they often picture an emergency shelter that provides abuse survivors with a safe place to stay. While shelter is a crucial service, many nonprofit domestic violence advocacy groups also offer a range of...
Ije Cares Foundation, led by young philanthropist Ijeoma Conley, commits support to CAWC
Two years ago, in a large gymnasium bustling with youth groups, families, and organizations from across Chicago, CAWC met an astonishing young woman commanding the room with her music and dreaming of changing the world. The young woman was Ijeoma Conley, and that day,...
Understanding How Black Women Have Shaped Domestic Violence Advocacy
Every March marks Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on the progress made toward gender equality and honor the women whose contributions have shaped it. Connecting this observance with Black History Month allows us to appreciate the vital role Black communities,...
Signs of Abusive Teen Relationships: Grooming and Love Bombing
Each February, Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month serves as an important reminder to recognize the signs of unhealthy or abusive relationships among adolescents. Awareness of these signs can help teens identify when a relationship is becoming harmful and seek the...
Understanding Domestic Violence and Homelessness
Homelessness is a pervasive problem that impacts individuals across all demographics. One frequently overlooked aspect of this issue is the correlation between intimate partner violence and homelessness and the challenges it presents, especially during the winter...
Empower Yourself to Solve Human Rights Problems This Giving Tuesday
In a world full of complex social issues — with human rights violations among the most dire, even in wealthy nations like the US — it's easy to feel powerless. Many people perceive the enormity and number of these problems and become overwhelmed, feeling that they...
What You Can Do for National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Every October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). This is a time in which we turn our attention to a crucial human rights issue that affects millions globally: domestic and intimate partner violence. For those who haven’t been directly impacted by partner...
Socioeconomic Risk Factors for Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence
Domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) are pervasive human rights violations that affect millions of individuals worldwide. While these forms of violence can occur across all socioeconomic groups, research consistently shows that socioeconomic risk...
Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC) Announces Arshele Stevens as New Executive Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Judi Golemba, (773)489-9081 ext. 221, jgolemba@cawc.org Chicago, IL, August 7, 2024 – The Board of Directors of Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC) is pleased to announce and welcome Arshele Stevens as the new...
Understanding Summer Surges in Domestic Violence
Summer is a time most people associate with lightened moods, relaxation, and fun. Yet for people who experience abuse from their partners, the warm months can be worse than the darkest days of winter. Intimate partner violence and domestic abuse rates increase by...
The Impacts of Domestic and Dating Violence on Children
In discussing domestic and dating violence, we often overlook their far-reaching impacts on the most vulnerable people involved: children. Young individuals who may witness or experience violence first hand endure profound consequences that ripple through every aspect...
Domestic Violence and Mental Health in Marginalized Communities
June and July serve as critical months for educating ourselves and others about mental health issues among marginalized communities. During Pride Month in June, we focus on the LGBTQ+ community, while July's National Minority Mental Health Month (also known as BIPOC...
Domestic Violence: A Barrier to Job Opportunities and Stable Employment
Domestic violence is a pervasive issue with profound impacts that extend well beyond the sphere of private life, affecting current employment and new job opportunities. Survivors often face challenges that hinder their ability to secure and maintain employment,...
Why We Need Tailored Services for Domestic Violence Survivors with Substance Use Challenges
The effects of domestic violence are often multifaceted, and survivors may face complex challenges. For example, research indicates a strong correlation between domestic violence and substance abuse, both in terms of fueling violence on the part of the abuser and...
The Vital Role of Mental Health Services in Domestic Violence Shelters
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and during this month and beyond, it’s especially important to consider the mental health effects of domestic violence on survivors and their children. Although many may not realize it, domestic violence shelters play a key role...