Mid Central Community Action is calling for 200 Bloomington-Normal men to join together in support of domestic violence victims.
The group wants men to encircle the courthouse square in Downtown Bloomington on Monday to symbolically gather around victims in the community. The rally begins at 11:30 a.m.
MCCA’s Matthew Drat said it’s everyone's responsibility to stop domestic violence.
“Last year when Mid Central Community Action launched the Stand Up with Me campaign, the purpose of that domestic violence awareness theme was to say to the community there are people who need our help and we are not answering their call. That call once again is being made, and this time it’s specifically to men,” said Drat.
Drat said there is often a desensitization of domestic violence, but raising awareness can combat against it.
MCCA also wants to bring attention to some troubling domestic violence statistics in the community. Drat said this is a problem that affects more than just adults.
“About 40 percent of the people we serve in our countering domestic violence services in McLean County are under the age of 5 years old. The prevalence of children experiencing intimate partner violence continues to increase,” said Drat.
Drat said there are also increases in the number of calls to the group's hotline and in the number of protection orders granted. There's also some good news: an increase of survivors seeking professional help.
Monday's event commemorates the 30th anniversary of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
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