WHEREAS, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to recognize the prevalence of abuse and bring awareness to available resources; and
WHEREAS, Chicago Children's Advocacy Center (ChicagoCAC) is a vital and important institution in this city whose mission it is to unite public, private and community partners to ensure the safety, health and well-being of abused children; and
WHEREAS, Children exposed to domestic violence are at an increased risk of being abused or neglected. Research has found that child abuse is 10 to 15 times more likely to occur in households where domestic violence is present; and
WHEREAS, Children who are victims of abuse and/or exposed to domestic violence have higher levels of aggression, anger, hostility, and disobedience; experience lower cognitive functioning, poor school performance, and limited problem solving skills; and have higher levels of depression and increased tolerance for and use of violence as adults; and
WHEREAS, ChicagoCAC is an entryway for families to receive help in addressing domestic violence, child abuse and other violence in a family's home or community; and
WHEREAS, Child abuse and domestic violence often occur simultaneously, adding additional trauma to children and making it more difficult to disclose abuse or report it to authorities. Research indicates that, in 30 to 60 percent of families where domestic violence or child abuse is identified, it is likely that both are present; and
WHEREAS, At ChicagoCAC, more than 50 percent of the children referred to its mental health waiting list report experiencing domestic violence in addition to child sexual abuse; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED That we, the Mayor and members of the City of Chicago City Council, gathered together this 16th Day of October, 2013 AD, do hereby salute the exemplary and praiseworthy work of Chicago Children's Advocacy Center during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That a suitable copy of this resolutio...
Click here for full text