Abuse victims give reason to care

Norma Favela, Shreya Lai's mentally challenged victim, Ronald O'Rourke's victims, and Dawn Hill, beaten and left lying without help for more than 96 hours - all victims of domestic violence.

Whatever story Darron Richard fed inquiring individuals regarding Ms. Hill's whereabouts, his story wasn't investigated. Perhaps, even more disturbing, is that Dawn Hill might have read the paper recently, listened to the news and observed the demonstrations against state cutbacks, understanding domestic violence programs would be seriously restricted in her community.

What did she believe her options to be? Stay with the abuser - what else? Take another hit. And is that so surprising, when a Chicago judge imposes almost no consequences for an act of violence perpetrated by an assaulter, saying it won't stop that individual from future violence? What a sad message of injustice that conveys.

We cannot afford to let victims take another hit. Our state budget must be approved in the most critical areas. Just think: domestic violence services were available during the murders and brutalizing of these victims. What happens when services vanish?

As a former social worker at Family Shelter Services, I witnessed the growth of victims and their children who no longer chose to live with violence. For these victims and for all who have the courage to walk out of the shoes of violence, speak up on behalf of your neighbor. Don't accept Judge Fleming's inadequate directive of probation for violence as a sufficient admonishment to perpetrators.

Consequences are imperative to stave off violence. Victims are not responsible for the acts perpetrated upon them. Never allow another Dawn Hill to languish without someone asking "Where is she?" Don't allow Springfield to sit on its heels without asking, "What are you doing?" Get involved.

Pamela A. Curtin

Wheaton