Effingham, Ill – In recent history, domestic violence has become an epidemic in the United States.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, “1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the United States have experienced some form of physical violence by an
intimate partner”.
In 2014, there were over 65,000 cases of domestic violence reported to Illinois Law Enforcement; with 84 deaths.
Of those who died due to domestic violence, 15 were children.
HOPE coalition of East Central Illinois works towards helping those who are victims of domestic violence escape and empower them in their road to independence.
The Teutopolis High School Student Council has partnered with the Eastern Illinois District Association of Student Councils (EIDASC) to collect donations for HOPE throughout the entire month of October.
Student Council Representatives Logan Blankenship, Janelle Vogt, and Will Wortman sat down to discuss their efforts with HOPE.
Wortman stated, “We have been collecting donations to send to shelters to victims of domestic violence.”
“This is a great organization, and we want to collect items for the shelters to assist while making sure that the victims could be in a safe environment.”
For anyone looking to donate please drop off your donations to the following:
- Teutopolis High School
- Teutopolis Bank
- St. Francis Church
- Dieterich Bank (Effingham & Teutopolis Locations)
Full Interview: