Cook County Department of Public Health

The Office of Violence Prevention Coordination

• Forms of Violence
• Partnership Opportunities
• Resources

Mission

The mission of the Office of Violence Prevention Coordination is to use public health approaches to address violence and its impact on the residents of suburban Cook County through education, community building and collaboration. The office utilizes the strengths of suburban Cook County to address the root causes of violence. The office concentrates on violence prevention in the areas of child abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse, school violence, street & community violence and workplace violence.

Violence affects individuals throughout the lifespan. Primary prevention efforts focus on preventing acts of violence before they occur by identifying and addressing risk factors in families and communities. It is equally important to identify and highlight the protective factors that exist as well. Violence is best addressed by using strong partnerships in the community. You can be a part of the partnership to prevent violence in your community. Along with The Office of Violence Prevention Coordination you can be a part of the solution by:

• Being informed and influential about laws created to keep your family safe
• Seeking assistance when you witness risk factors in your family or community
• Offering volunteer services to educate others about violence prevention

Additional information can be found through the links provided. You may also call The Office of Violence Prevention Coordination at 708-492-2142 to learn more about partnership opportunities.

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Forms of Violence

The Office of Violence Prevention Coordination concentrates on violence prevention in the areas of child abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse, school violence, street & community violence and workplace violence.

Child Abuse

It’s the responsibility of everyone to keep children safe. Child abuse claims the lives of millions of children each year. One of the most vulnerable of populations; children are often unable to voice when or how they are being abused. Children thrive best in a safe environment that provides consistency and structure. The importance of providing education to families and increasing protective factors in the community is recognized by the Cook County Department of Public Health.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence occurs when a family member, partner or ex-partner attempts to physically or psychologically dominate another. Domestic violence often refers to violence between spouses, or spousal abuse but can also include cohabitants and non-married intimate partners. Domestic violence occurs in all cultures; people of all races, ethnicities, religions, sexes and classes can be perpetrators of domestic violence. It has many forms, including physical violence, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, intimidation, economic deprivation, and threats of violence. Although emotional, psychological and financial abuse are not criminal behaviors, they are forms of abuse and can lead to criminal violence.

Elder Abuse

Every year tens of thousands of elders are abused in their own home, in relative’s homes and nursing homes. As elders become more physically challenged, they’re less able to stand up to physical abuse. In addition they may not maintain the same lever of hearing and clear thinking leaving them vulnerable to emotional verbal abuse. By learning the signs and symptoms of elder abuse, including financial abuse, you’ll be helping someone else while increasing your knowledge and the community’s ability to fight further abuse. Cook County Department of Public Health recognizes the need for the prevention of all abuse sustained by seniors. Those abuses are: financial exploitation, sexual abuse, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, neglect or abandonment, and medical fraud.

School Violence

Violence in schools manifests in several ways throughout the United States. Youth participate in a wide range of activities that could possibly foster opportunities for violence. Some of the areas where violence occurs are through the internet, bullying, fighting, as well as the use of weapons. Government and school administration have initiated protection measures in the form of metal detectors, surveillance cameras and police officers within the schools and during school related activities. Cook County Department of Public Health believes in setting a clear example for the expectations of students and families to maintain a positive academic and social learning environment for children and youth.

Street & Community Violence

Violence is usually categorized in accordance to the relationship between the victim and the perpetrator. Street violence refers to the use of physical force by individuals or groups within public spaces resulting in injury or death. This includes the forms of violence that are most often addressed by public health practitioners and researchers, particularly gang and youth violence, which often take place in the street or other open areas. Violence caused by gang involvement has taken on a larger concern as they often incorporate drug and burglary crimes. While incidences of violence in the community garner attention the Cook County Department of Public Health is dedicated to the prevention of street violence by continued focus on community risk factors and awareness of the need for community acceptance and empowerment for change.

Workplace Violence

Workplace violence can be any act of physical violence, threats of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening, disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site. Workplace violence can affect or involve employees, visitors, contractors, and other non-Federal employees. A number of different actions in the work environment can trigger or cause workplace violence. It may even be the result of non-work-related situations such as domestic violence or “road rage.” Workplace violence can be inflicted by an abusive employee, a manager, supervisor, co-worker, customer, family member, or even a stranger. Although not a high priority by national standards, Cook County Department of Public Health recognizes that workplace violence indeed impedes on employees health and rights to safety.

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Partnership Opportunities

The Office of Violence Prevention Coordination fosters partnerships with various community organizations in suburban Cook County in an effort to create and maintain safety from violence.

Current Partnerships

Fathers Action Network (FAN)

In partnership with social service and advocacy organizations FAN is a series of workshops that raises awareness and educates men regarding the valuable influence he has in the lives of his children. These workshops aim to empower and equip men with knowledge that lead to responsible fatherhood, thereby reducing the risk of children being exposed to and involved in violence and other social ills. FAN is currently partnering with Guildhaus and Maywood Safety Networks.

Workshops are offered monthly or as needed (according to staff availability) to men’s groups in suburban cook county and consists of:

• Domestic Violence and Anger management
• Parental legal rights and paternity establishment
• Parenting education
• General men’s health and nutrition

For more information and to access a referral form, contact 708.492.2944, Mon-Fri 8:30AM to 4:30PM

Community Outreach and Crisis Help (COACH)

In partnership with community task forces and advisory boards the Office of Violence Prevention Coordination (OVPC) works closely to lead communities in effective community organizing and capacity building. As the community acknowledges the need to focus on violence prevention issues, the OVPC provides structure and planning assistance to increase outcomes. The OVPC functions as a neutral entity and uses effective facilitation and community organizing practices. The OVPC partners with several community task forces and advisory boards in this capacity. COACH is currently partnering with Proviso Township Ministerial Alliance Network as well as the WePLAN for action Youth Violence Prevention Task Force. Please contact 708.492.2142, Mon-Fri 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM for more information on COACH partnering.

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Resources

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