Group aims to inform men on domestic abuse

When you hear the term domestic violence, you might automatically think of a woman.

One local group is trying to get away from that sentiment and have men realize they can do something to stop it.

The Northwest Suburban Alliance on Domestic Violence was established in 2002 to provide a collaborative venue for area agencies working on domestic violence.

Over the years, it's grown to include local lawmakers, municipalities and survivors to help raise awareness of the issue in the suburbs.

Throughout September and October, the group is rolling out its Men's Initiative to promote awareness.

"It's about getting men to look at it differently and see what their role is," said state Sen. Matt Murphy. "As fathers and sons, this is a way of using peer pressure to say the disrespect of women isn't cool."

Murphy, a Palatine Republican, is now chairman of the alliance and is promoting the effort.

The public is invited to participate in a leadership breakfast Friday in Rolling Meadows to kick off the initiative.

As part of the effort, some well-known men will appear in local newspaper ads with the important women in their lives.

Local libraries are also being asked to display materials.

A seminar Oct. 1 in Hoffman Estates will be geared toward hairstylists, called Cut it Out.

It will aim to help stylists learn about domestic violence and how they can assist clients who disclose it to them.

"The primary purpose here is to encourage men to take leadership in speaking out against domestic violence," said Danise Habun, co-chairwoman of the alliance. "We're hoping the message carries forward."

Some prominent men who've agreed to be part of the campaign are former Chicago Bear Jim Schawntz, Rolling Meadows Police Chief Steve Williams and Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod.

Men's initiative

What: Northwest Suburban Alliance on Domestic Violence and State Sen. Matt Murphy host the Community Leadership Breakfast on Violence Against Women

Where: Rolling Meadows Park Central, 3000 Central Road

When: 8-10 a.m. Friday

Why: To kick off Men's Initiative to end domestic violence

RSVP: Call (847) 776-1490