Peoria Center receives grant for protection against abuse

Martha Herm, executive director of the Peoria-based Center for Prevention of Abuse, recently received a $10,000 grant presented by Illinois Bar Foundation board members Elizabeth L. Jensen and Richard W. Zuckerman.

The grant will support the center’s Court Advocacy Program that helps victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse file petitions for orders of protection and attend hearings in Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford County courts.

Specifically, the center plans to add a part-time court advocate to serve clients in the Tazewell County Courthouse. For more information, call Emily Cahill at (309) 691-0551.

The program also attempts to reduce occurrences of violence through education about the legal process, and to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of the court system by preparing victims in advance of hearings.

Founded in 1975, the Center for Prevention of Abuse has an overall mission, “To Build a Safe, Peaceful Community.” It serves about 15 women, children and men each day – more than 4,000 annually.

In addition to advocacy and support services in a non-judgmental atmosphere, the center provided emergency and longer-term housing. Clients are given opportunities to determine their own courses.

It also conducts a Family Violence Intervention Project that is re-educating 750 male perpetrators, and prevention programs that target 20,000 youths.

The center’s longer-term Next Step Housing program provides transitional housing and support for groups of up to eight individuals who seek violence-free, healthy lives. It is now at capacity and has a waiting list.

Its staff and volunteers participate in several other regional coalitions, such as the 10th Judicial Circuit Family Violence Coordinating Council and the Family Justice Center Cooperative.