2010 Goals
- To better educate members of the FVCC and interested citizens of McHenry County on the cause, effects and repercussions of family violence and what can be done to improve the community's response. (Court/Law, Education, Faith)
To convene a Family Violence Symposium in October 2010 that meets needs based on surveying key organizations in the council and interested service providers.
- To provide an emotionally and intellectually enlightening experience of what faces a victim of domestic violence to encourage empathy and understanding. (Faith)
To present "In Her Shoes" to a minimum of 4 audiences in McHenry County during this year, by enlisting the audience to assume various community roles as well as portraying the victim.
- A better infomred medical staff at McHenry County hospitals and medical facilities on the subject of family violence. (Education)
To provide training for medical providers on family violence that will enhance their understanding of the medical and social ramifications.
- Recognition on the part of school personnel that family violence affects children's ability to leran and oto be better informed of available resources. (Education, Court/Law)
To train school personnel through the Schools Respond to Family Violence program so that they recognize the serious impact of family violence on the learning capabilities of children and teens.
- To explore new methods of disseminating information to the Faith Community. (Faith)
To establish a 20-30 minute general domestic presentation for adult church audiences as well as a 60 minute in-depth presentation for particular faith-based groups.
Community Awareness/Prevention
- To reach a wide community audience about family violence and the resources available for assistance. (Education, Faith, Court/Law)
To air public service announcements ona quarterly basis on the local access channels and Star 105.5. To use local newspapers and area publications with a variety of informative articles and better coverage of FVCC events. Investigate participating in community expos and create laminated card with FVCC information for distribution by council members.
- To continue to distribute Key Indicator Sheets of resource and referral information regarding family violence, and revise when appropriate. (Education, Faith, Court/Law)
To include a category for special populations for legally disabled abuse and neglect.
Systems Change
- To educate and train local law enforcement on issues surrounding domestic violence and the importance of following delineated protocols. (Court/Law)
Continue roll call protocall trainings for McHenry County area law enforcement agencies.
- To develop protocol for dealing with Firearms and Domestic Violence.
Continue discussion between law enforcement, State's Attorney's Office and justice system regarding established procedures for firearms surrender and seizure.
Collaborative Efforts
- To better educate members of the FVCC and interested citizens of McHenry County on the increasing occurrence of Elder Abuse with the cooperation of Senior Services Associates.
To convene a workshop in Spring 2010 using free speakers, geriatric practioners and specialists to provide education and discussion on Elder Abuse, and to conduct sensitivity training so participants can gain greater empathy and understanding of elder issues.
- To investigate a cooperative venture to better educate the youth of McHenry County on the issues surrounding family violence in a fun yet informative manner. (Faith)
To investigate a cooperative venture with the Christian Youth Theater for the presentation of a faith-based production on family violence.