Domestic Abuse Ministry
If an Emergency, Call 911
Any act or series of acts of commission or omission by a parent, caregiver, or another person in a custodial role that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child under the age of 18, is known as child abuse and neglect. This is a serious public health problem with far-reaching consequences for the youngest and most vulnerable members of society. This adverse childhood experience can have long-term impacts on health, opportunity, and well-being.
Nationally in 2022, over three million investigations of child abuse were carried out with response at a rate of 42.2 children per 1000 in the population. Children in the first year of life are 15% of all victims and 28% of child maltreatment cases are under the age of 2.
When a child is being excessively withdrawn, fearful, or anxious, or its behavior is extremely compliant or aggressive, there can be signs that a child is being abused or neglected. Child abuse and neglect are preventable. We need to ensure that children in our families and communities have safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments. Recognizing the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect is an important matter. Learn more about the facts, risk and protective factors, prevention strategies, and other resources here.
If you suspect that a child has been harmed or is at risk of being harmed by abuse or neglect, report it online at childabuse.illinois.gov. In an emergency, call the 24 -hour Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-25-ABUSE (800-252-2873). If you believe a child is in immediate danger of harm, call 911 first. Protecting children is a responsibility we all share. If you would like to talk to someone in our St. John Neumann Domestic Abuse Ministry call: 630.480.6561. “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me” – Mathew 18:5
Our focus in this ministry is to serve as first responders to our brothers and sisters who need to restore their peace of mind, body and spirit, due to domestic abuse.
One of our goals is to create awareness of this issue within our community and to provide a Catholic response to it by bringing hope, help, and healing. We will provide the proper tools and skills to recognize domestic abuse, respond to it with compassion, and refer people in need to the proper services to get help. What can you do to be helpful if an abusive situation is revealed?
- LISTEN, BELIEVE, AND REFER. Domestic Abuse against one of the members of the Body of Christ affects all of us. Share that the abuse is not God’s will. Help is available and they are NOT ALONE.
- Let them know that without intervention, abuse often escalates in frequency and severity over time.
- Seek expert assistance by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Refer them only to specialized domestic violence counseling programs, not to couples counseling!
- Encourage people who use abuse to seek help by attending an appropriate 12-step recovery group.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
- Mutual Ground Emergency Shelter in Aurora: 630-897-0084.
- Community Crisis Center in Elgin: 847-697-2380; Espanol: 847-697-9740.
- Hotline for those who abuse: 877-898-3411.
- St. John Neumann Domestic Abuse Ministry: 630-480-6561.
Resources. The Church stands by families suffering abuse at home. Learn more at When I Call for Help: - “If we have to fight against evil, let’s do it, but always say ‘no’ to domestic violence.” – Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia, 104.
If the Holy Spirit is moving you to serve through this ministry, please register below.