Programs Director at Center for Advancing Domestic Peace, Inc. - Transforming Lives - , Illinois, United States
Center for Advancing Domestic Peace (founded in 1997 as West Side Domestic Abuse Project) works to end domestic violence at the source--those who choose to abuse. Domestic violence affects women and children, men and boys. It is estimated that one woman is battered every nine seconds; 37% of women visiting emergency rooms are there due to domestic battery; in Chicago, one domestic violence related call is made to the 911 call center per district per hour.CADP serves 500 people each year, offering intervention to end abusive behavior for people who abuse a domestic partner. Groups are offered for men and women and in Spanish and English. Beliefs and Skills for Domestic Peace is the Center's Partner Abuse Intervention Program, serving around 150 program participants at any one time. Assessments, orientations, and a 24-week (minimum - completion is based on meeting criteria) group intervention is offered at three locations. Services are offered in Spanish and English. The Center has services for gay and bisexual men who abuse an intimate partner. The Center provides Case Management services to participants, mostly unemployed or underemployed and most uninsured. CADP also offers community education and outreach to raise awareness of the problem of domestic abuse and how to end it. The program includes men and women, working together, to end the violence against women and the dehumanization of men. The Center conducts and participates in research to improve services.