Page 61 - FOP May 2019 Magazine

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Districts unite to combat domestic violence
■ BY ERIKA WURST
Eleventh District Officer Yesenia Ro- driguez knows what it takes to combat domestic violence.
She knows that residents need to arm themselves not with weapons, but with knowledge. They should know where to go when escaping a volatile relation- ship and be able to recognize the signs of danger or abuse. Unfortunately, things aren’t innately learned — they’re taught.
So, as part of her job as a domestic violence liaison with the department, Rodriguez finds ways to bring the topic of domestic violence to the forefront of people’s minds. By hosting various activ- ities and outreach within her communi- ty, the officer has found ways to educate residents and combat abuse.
Recently, Rodriguez teamed up with members of the 15th and 25th Districts to host the department’s first Domes- tic Violence Summit, called “Promoting Love Without Boundaries.” Held April 11 at the Quest Multisport complex, the summit featured guest speakers, re- source tables and workshops focusing on domestic violence and child abuse.
The idea to host the summit was born during a West Garfield Park community stakeholders meeting. Rodriguez said that local nonprofits, along with mem- bers of the 11th, 15th and 25th Districts, began discussing the seriousness of do- mestic violence and the recent deaths of
Chicago Police Officer Samuel Jimenez and Dr. Tamara O’Neal, who were killed at Mercy Hospital in a November shoot- ing that started as a domestic violence incident.
“Domestic violence affects every- body,” Rodriguez said. “Low income, middle income, the rich. We need to give resources to help those who are impact- ed. This is something we need as a com- munity.”
And even if you haven’t personally been affected by domestic violence, odds are that a family member, neighbor, co- worker or friend has. For this reason, Ro- driguez said it’s important to arm your- self with the resources that someone in need might be craving. “After attending the summit, you’ll be equipped with in- formation. You may not be a victim, but now you have the tools to help someone who is,” she said.
By teaming up with the 15th and 25th Districts, Rodriguez was able to offer 11th District residents a wide range of
information. “Each district has its own resources, but we wanted to meet up and bring all of our organizations together,” she said. And that became the summit’s inspiration.
Workshops held that afternoon in- cluded topics such as teen dating vio- lence and child abuse. One session, “The Great Escape,” taught victims what to pack in case of an emergency and for when they are ready to leave an abusive situation. Another session, called “Don’t Make Me Hit You,” focused on teaching participants what healthy relationships look like.
“It was such a great event,” Rodriguez said. “We hope to do it again.”
15th District’s search for superstardom
It’s that time of year again. Officers from the 15th District are on the look- out for exciting talent and performances from students in the Austin communi- ty. The 15th District recently finished its first round of auditions for the Austin’s Got Talent 2.0 competition, set to wow audiences on June 15.
Officer Zach Ramirez and other CAPS officers from 015 visited elementary and high schools in Austin to discover young musicians, singers, actors, poets and others who could become the sub- urb’s next superstars. “These kids have so much talent,” Ramirez shared. “We want to get them exposure and get them rec- ognized.”
With the help of DJ Phantom Inc., a
group of eight CAPS officers set out on a mission in April to select 10 awe-in- spiring acts that will compete for the top three spots in Austin’s talent show.
Officers, business owners and mem- bers of the community will fill the audi- ence at the Kehrein Center for the Arts for the Austin’s Got Talent 2.0 competi- tion, which will be judged by 015 officers, including Commander Ernest Cato.
“We have seen some great singers so far, and a group of young ladies playing the violin, which is something different from last year,” Ramirez said, providing a sneak peek into some of the acts that will appear on the Austin’s Got Talent 2.0 stage.
DJ Phantom and 15th District CAPS officers visit schools to promote the Austin’s Got Talent 2.0 competition.
DJ Phantom and other special guests, including last year’s winner, will make appearances throughout the show, which starts at 11 a.m. Don’t miss it!
CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ MAY 2019 61