West Side Rally Aims to Bring Attention to Domestic Violence, Call for Action (Uncut Version)
Back on October 4, I spent several hours working hard to write an article about a rally that took place that took place an hour earlier. The piece that ultimately wound up printed in October 10 issue of Austin Weekly News was a small sliver of it. In fairness, the reactions to the guilty verdict in the trial of officer Jason Van Dyke wound up taking a lot of space. But, as the result, some great quotes - and some interesting local perspectives - wound up getting lost. So I decided to share the article as it was originally written, and add photos that I took a long the way. Even if most of the article survived the editing process, I’m pretty sure most of the photos would have never made it in. And so long as I’m publishing the uncut version…
In any case, here’s the article, with photos interspersed throughout.
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Around 30 people from north Austin, Galewood and other communities that are part of Chicago Police Department’s 25th District marched down Central Avenue on the morning of Oct. 4 to not only bring attention to the issue of domestic violence, but to let those are affected by it know that there is help.
And as the speakers at the rally emphasized, the effects go far beyond the abuser and the victim. It impacts their families, especially children, whose development affects their own ability to live normal lives and, at worst, would mean that they would continue the cycle when they grow up. But with the right support, those affected can recover - and reaching out is the first step.
The 25th District includes the section of Austin north of Division Street, including all of Galewood, as well as Hanover Park, Montclare and Belmont-Cragin neighborhoods further north. The rally has been a regular fixture of the district the last two decades. It is organized by the district’s Domestic Violence Subcommittee, one of the several subcommittees where police officers work with residents, business owners and service providers to address certain issues - in this case, raising awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault.
The rally kicked off at 25th District police station (5555 W. Grand Ave) and proceeded north on Central Avenue, with the marchers turning around at Belmont Avenue. The marchers carried signs in both English and Spanish urging awareness and listing the numbers for domestic violence hotlines. Some marchers carried posters retelling stories of victims of domestic violence who were ultimately murdered by their partners.
Most carried bells and other “noise-makers” to emphasize that the march was meant to get people’s attention. Austin Weekly News observed people in homes and businesses the marchers went past stepping outside or looking from behind the blinds, several passersby recorded the march on their phones, and the procession got occasional supportive honks from passing cars.
Abram Hackman has been taking part in the rallies from the beginning. Even after he moved from Austin to Chatham, he continued to participate every year. During this year’s march, he was one of the two people who took turn with the bullhorn, chanting about the importance of awareness.
For Hackman, bringing awareness is personal. His mother was a victim of domestic violence, and he recalled how, even as a kid, he was always protective of her.
“Unfortunately, the calendar only seems to recognize [domestic violence] only once a year, but it’s something that affects the city, and the country, every day,” Hackman said. “It should be recognized every day.”
After the procession returning to the police station, the group held a rally in the building’s community room. Taal Hasak-Lowy, the executive director of Friends of the Children - Chicago - which works to address trauma among children in Austin and North Lawndale - was a featured speaker. She said that domestic violence affected her family. Her brother has a history of abusing his wife. Just that morning, Hasak-Lowy said, she talked to her nephew about a recent incident, which “escalated to the highest degree”
“I love my brother,” Hasak-Lowy said. “And I’m trying to council [my sister-in-law] that she has to leave him.”
She said that while many believe that domestic violence only affects the couple, it has profound effect on their kids, too. Hasak-Lowy said that seing parents, who are supposed to protect them, fighting, makes kids focus on survival - which not only makes them lash out, but hurts their ability to learn. That means that they get labeled as “troubled” kids, which only makes the situation works.
Hasak-Lowy gave example on Charles, a six year old her organization has been helping. His father abused his mother, and his mother’s current boyfriend is abusive as well.
“He’s an angry little boy,” she said. “[His] mom loves Charles, but she’s so stressed out in her life that all she throws on him is rage.”
Friends of the Children have been able to provide mentoring and therapy for both Charles and his mother. Hasak said that the therapy, along with a presence of a stable, loving figure can go a long way toward helping kids overcome fear and recover from trauma.
25th District commander Anthony Escamilla mentioned that, these days, dating violence often starts abusive behavior through social media, and urged the parents in the audience to pay attention to their children’s online interactions.
Ald. Milly Santiago (31st), who took part in the march, said she was glad to be a part of the event , because issues affecting women, including domestic violence, were near and dear to hear heart.
“It is my obligation to be a part of this march, “ she said. “It is time for all you ladies to stand up for your rights, to end the violence. Enough is enough. “
Santiago noted that, during the march, a woman came into the station to file a domestic violence complaint - which just underscored how prevalent the issue was.
“I tell women - do not wait until he hurts you again,” she said. “We have to lock them up immediately. And we cannot wait until tomorrow [simply] because he’s sorry.”