Monday, September 29, 2003
Special to suffredin.org

Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin, 13th District, will join domestic violence advocates and volunteers from Friends of Battered Women and Their Children on October 1, 2003 for a candlelight vigil in recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, held annually in October.

WHAT: 9th Annual Light Up the Lakefront - 3,000 luminaries will "light up" Oak Street Beach in a powerful tribute to victims and survivors of domestic violence

WHEN: October 1, 2003 from 7:30 to 8:00 PM

WHERE: Oak Street Beach, Chicago

WHO: Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin, 13th District
Friends of Battered Women and their Children

"Domestic violence is a crime that rips through the fabric of our community and instills fear in millions of women and children every year. As a community, we must do more to end domestic violence and break the cycle of violence in families. We must speak out against domestic violence and work to end the silence, shame and guilt that surround this crime," commented Commissioner Suffredin.

Commissioner Suffredin added, "The Cook County Court System deals with some 99,000 misdemeanor domestic violence cases each year, and we are working to provide victims with the services and support they need to live life free from domestic violence. I anticipate the opening of the new Cook County Domestic Violence Courthouse that will significantly improve the court facilities for women seeking legal remedies and enhance the social services available through the court system."

Friends' 24-hour Domestic Violence Crisis Line is 1-800-603-HELP (4357)