ALTON, IL – To shed light on domestic violence and remember the victims and their families, Alton Memorial Hospital, the Third Judicial Family Violence Prevention Council and Oasis Women’s Center are hosting a special memorial service from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, in the AMH Café Meeting Rooms.

      The 18th annual event is open to the community, families of domestic violence victims, school administrators, clergy, law enforcement, and state and local dignitaries.

Speakers will include Chief Judge Stephen Stobbs; Judge Maureen Schuette, co-chair of the Steering Committee for the Illinois Family Violence Coordinating Council; Madison County Coroner Steve Nonn; as well as a survivor of domestic violence. The Rev. Jim Johnston of Alton First Christian Church will emcee the event. There will also be special music, resource tables and refreshments.

      One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime, and anyone can be a victim regardless of gender, age, race, income, or sexual orientation. In Madison County since 1996, at least 150 people have died in domestic violence-related circumstances.

Because of the prevalence of domestic violence, Alton Memorial Hospital in 2002 began screening for domestic violence for everyone 12 and older who was being assessed in the hospital. Trained staff members confidentially ask these patients if they feel safe at home or have experienced mental, physical, or sexual abuse.

Alton Memorial supports a coordinated domestic violence committee that includes members from the hospital staff, Zonta Club of Alton-Wood River, Oasis Women’s Center, Church Women United, Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, Riverbend Head Start & Family Services, Refuge, Metro East Every Survivor Counts and the Madison County Child Advocacy Center.

      The Madison County Clothesline Exhibit from the Oasis Women’s Center in Alton will be on display in the Alton Memorial Hospital connector lobby during the event. The display was created by women and children who have suffered from domestic violence. 

      “This annual memorial service is very important,” Judge Schuette said. “We will never forget those who have died as a result of abuse. We encourage everyone to join us. We want to let the community know that resources are available, and lives can be turned around with assistance.”

      If you are a victim of domestic violence and need help, call 618-465-1978. For more information on the memorial service, please contact Anne Hargis at 618-465-1978 or annehargis@oasiswomenscenter.com.