“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at will
change.”  That was one of the messages delivered by Katherine Klein,
the featured presenter at Chicago Hearing Society’s fifth annual
Domestic Violence Awareness Night, October 15.  Katherine is a
trainer at the Employment Project and she is an Illinois Certified
Domestic Violence Professional.  “It’s important for domestic violence
survivors and professionals who work with them to take care of
themselves and to find balance in their lives,” noted Katherine.  “Often
it takes longer to heal from emotional damage than physical damage.” 
The event was held to increase awareness of domestic violence and to
honor victims and
survivors.   

“Domestic violence is an issue that impacts all ethnic and socio-economic groups, including the Deaf community,” notes CHS Domestic Violence Program Advocate Michelle Mendiola.  In 2000, CHS established the first domestic violence program in Illinois specifically for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.  The program serves the metropolitan Chicago area providing services which include crisis intervention, legal advocacy, individual advocacy, counseling, and assistance in applying for victim compensation. Staff is fluent in sign language.  All services are free of charge.

“Domestic violence is an under-reported crime,” adds Michelle.  “If you or someone you know may be in an abusive relationship, you are not alone. Help is available.”  For more information, contact CHS at 773-248-9174 TTY or email AskCHS@anixter.org .