On the first day of March in 2009, a 25-year-old
man allegedly assaulted his 23-year-old girlfriend and
then continued the brutality by attacking a responding
paramedic, biting the tip of the paramedic’s thumb off
before the melee came to an end, according to police.1
Six days later, Chicago police responded to a call of a battery in progress in the 500 block of N. Central Park Avenue. They arrived to find a 22- year-old man on the floor with a knife wound in the chest. According to the police, the man began to beat his female cousin, punching her “in the face and head.” When she ran, he chased her into the kitchen, where she grabbed a knife and stabbed him. After reviewing the evidence, an Assistant State’s Attorney declined to file charges in the case, sighting self-defense.
Though both events were life-altering to the individuals involved, they – as most domestic violence incidents do – went largely unnoticed by the general public. But these are the kinds of stories that we hear everyday at Rainbow House. In 2008, for example, a client came to us. She had been married for nine years to a man so verbally, sexually and physically abusive toward her that he would violently shove her, spit in her face, call her vile names and only give her money if she had “sex” with him. The woman’s husband was also abusive toward the couple’s children, calling them names too, pushing them violently, throwing clothes and toys at them and slapping them in the face on several occasions.
There is one possible end to this story, and it is tragic: The most dangerous time for a woman in a violent relationship is when she is trying to leave it. But this story has a happy ending. The client made her way to Rainbow House, where the Women’s Advocate first referred her to an attorney at a legal clinic, who helped the client secure an Emergency Order of Protection. The Women’s Advocate helped the client prepare for discussion of the abuse and violence she and her children had suffered.
Six days later, Chicago police responded to a call of a battery in progress in the 500 block of N. Central Park Avenue. They arrived to find a 22- year-old man on the floor with a knife wound in the chest. According to the police, the man began to beat his female cousin, punching her “in the face and head.” When she ran, he chased her into the kitchen, where she grabbed a knife and stabbed him. After reviewing the evidence, an Assistant State’s Attorney declined to file charges in the case, sighting self-defense.
Though both events were life-altering to the individuals involved, they – as most domestic violence incidents do – went largely unnoticed by the general public. But these are the kinds of stories that we hear everyday at Rainbow House. In 2008, for example, a client came to us. She had been married for nine years to a man so verbally, sexually and physically abusive toward her that he would violently shove her, spit in her face, call her vile names and only give her money if she had “sex” with him. The woman’s husband was also abusive toward the couple’s children, calling them names too, pushing them violently, throwing clothes and toys at them and slapping them in the face on several occasions.
There is one possible end to this story, and it is tragic: The most dangerous time for a woman in a violent relationship is when she is trying to leave it. But this story has a happy ending. The client made her way to Rainbow House, where the Women’s Advocate first referred her to an attorney at a legal clinic, who helped the client secure an Emergency Order of Protection. The Women’s Advocate helped the client prepare for discussion of the abuse and violence she and her children had suffered.
When I think of what Rainbow House has
done for me and my children, the first word
that comes to mind is ‘freedom.’ Freedom through support, education, referrals, counseling, seminars and accountability. I have gone from a shameful victim of domestic violence to breaking the cycle of abuse for
me and my children.
It took me three years of counseling at Rainbow House, utilizing all they had to offer, to first understand the cycle of abuse; then break down the barriers; and most importantly to help my children heal and change their future. Through all my education at Rainbow House I have learned to become self-sufficient and an advocate for myself and my children. I have been empowered through the services I have received. Rainbow House was exactly the right type of professional help that my children and I needed for our domestic violence situation.
I am proud today because I have taken in all that Rainbow House has to offer. ‘I am no longer a victim of abuse, but I am a better mother and a guide in the ever giving cycle of freedom!’
- Rainbow House Client
The Rainbow House Women’s Advocate was also able to refer the client to an agency that would assist her in filing for divorce. The client’s husband was soon removed from the home. The Women’s Advocate continued to maintain periodic contact with the client.
It took me three years of counseling at Rainbow House, utilizing all they had to offer, to first understand the cycle of abuse; then break down the barriers; and most importantly to help my children heal and change their future. Through all my education at Rainbow House I have learned to become self-sufficient and an advocate for myself and my children. I have been empowered through the services I have received. Rainbow House was exactly the right type of professional help that my children and I needed for our domestic violence situation.
I am proud today because I have taken in all that Rainbow House has to offer. ‘I am no longer a victim of abuse, but I am a better mother and a guide in the ever giving cycle of freedom!’
- Rainbow House Client
At Rainbow House, we take the job of helping and protecting women and children seriously. If you are in an abusive relationship or need help recovering your life, please contact us at (773) 521-1815.
Continue to Our Stories - Therapist's Account
1The alleged attacker was arrested and charged with domestic battery and aggravated battery to First Aid Personnel.