Chicago's Garfield Park: Hot Spot For All Forms Of Abuse

On December 10, 2011, Tribune reporter, Rosemary Sobol wrote this chilling story about bloody paw prints that lead police to a woman abusing a dog in Chicago's Garfield Park area. 

Lashon Parks said she "no longer wanted" her dog and let it out in the 25 degree weather to fend for itself in the East Garfield Park neighborhood where children apparently beat it with broomsticks and baseball bats, police said.

Recently, the Chicago Sun Times reported this story on mother of West Garfield Park newborn who died.  The mother is accused of neglect.  Credible evidence was found to substantiate allegations of neglect in this home as far back as 2009. 

This map shows circles that depict the number of reported domestic violence incidents in 2011.  The Garfield Park neighborhood toward the center comes in at over 3000 incidents.

Animal abuse is often the 1st sign that people in a home are in danger.  Be part of the solution and not part of the problem by reporting even suspected abuse.  It can be done anonymously. 

Click here to find where in the U.S. to report known or suspected animal cruelty and neglect in your area.

Click here to find where in the U.S. to report known or suspected child abuse and neglect in your area.

Click here to find where in the U.S. to report known or suspected domestic violence in your area.

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You Are In Danger of Being Killed

Lethality questions

In South Eastern Connecticut police who respond to domestic violence incidents will pose the following questions to domestic violence victims in cases that they think could turn deadly. Certain combinations of "Yes" answers will trigger a phone call to a counselor at the Women's Center of Southeastern Connecticut.

1. Has he/she ever used a weapon against you or threatened you with a weapon?
2. Has he/she ever threatened to kill you, your children or your pets?
3. Do you think he/she might try to kill you?
4. Does he/she have a gun or can he/she get one easily?
5. Has he/she ever tried to choke you?
6. Is he/she violently or constantly jealous or does he/she control most of your daily activities?
7. Have you left him/her or separated after living together or being married?
8. Is he/she unemployed?
9. Has he/she ever tried to kill himself/herself?
10. Do you have a child that he/she knows is not his/hers?
11. Does he/she follow you or spy on you or leave threatening messages?
Source: Maryland Lethality Assessment Program

Many police departments still are not using these lethality assessment questions.  This does NOT mean that you, or someone you know is at a lower risk of being killed.

If you or someone you know answers "yes" to any of these questions, contact a Domestic Violence Advocate immediately!

In the U.S.:  1.800.799.SAFE
In the U. K.: 0808 2000 247
In Australia:   1800 RESPECT

Click here for an International inventory of domestic violence services Countries A-Z

 

 

 

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Purchases with a Purpose

Q: Do you or someone you know have a pet that needs to be spayed or neutered and can not afford it? A: Probably.

AHA Treasures wants to help control the pet population by helping you, your friends, family members and neighbors to get your pets spayed and neutered.

We will donate a percentage of our profit from each sale that will directly go towards spaying or neutering an animal in need.

Here's how it works. Once the fund reaches $90.00 a random name will be selected to receive the award. No purchase is necessary, however, sales do benefit the program!

To qualify for the drawing you must do at least 1 of the following:

1. Follow me on Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/ellenmckendree/ and just repin any of our webstore items you like.

2. Follow me on Twitter @ellenmckendree Tweet and/or retweet any of our webstore items you like, and mention @ellenmckendree with the webstore items.

3. Follow us on Twitter @AHALink Tweet and/or retweet any of our webstore items you like, and mention @AHALink with the webstore items.

There are no limits on repins, tweets, retweets or mentions. The more you repin, tweet, retweet and mention the greater your chances to help an animal in need!

AHA Treasures will pay up to:

$65.00 for Female Cats

$51.00 for Male Cats

$90.00 for Female Dogs

$64.00 for Male Dogs

We will help you find a low cost spay and neuter clinic in your area which may offer lower or higher fees for the procedure. If the fees are higher than the listed limit above, you are responsible for the difference which should be nominal.

Many clinics around the U.S. offer free spay and neutering for pit bulls and mixes. In this instance, you may "gift" your award to another animal in need.

You have nothing to lose and an animal in need has everything to gain.  Again, no purchase is necessary.  Just view the items and if you like them - share them with your followers on Pinterest and Twitter.

Please help control the pet population to end needless suffering.

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