Thank you for posting the recent letter to the editor about domestic violence by former Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel [Our response to domestic violence must change, Opinion, March 13]. He describes how police can help in a practical way.
In 1992 Riverside experienced a horrific DV case in which a dad murdered his 9-month-old twins. I was friends with the mother and was horrified to learn that I knew nothing of her husband’s abusive behavior. I had been to their apartment several times dropping off baby equipment and supplies that my own twins had outgrown. The husband was charming and very thankful for my help. I later learned how polite and charming abusers can be.
I swore then and there that when I retired from teaching at RBHS, I would volunteer for a DV agency. I am happy to report that after extensive training, I now answer the crisis line each week for a DV agency in Forest Park called Sarah’s Inn. The staff is caring and compassionate. Many a victim has received help there.
If someone you know needs help, please have her call Sarah’s Inn at 708-386-4225 for counseling, orders of protection and other services. Although it is not a shelter, the phone is answered 24/7. For shelter, call the Illinois DV helpline at 877-863-6338.
Victims can get the help they need. Perpetrators can learn to deal with their anger in ways that do not include violence.
Jan Goldberg, Riverside