WINGS hosts Sweet Home Chicago event to promote domestic violence awareness

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The fight against domestic violence is an important topic any time of the year, but especially during the holidays. Among the organizations helping victims is WINGS, a not-for-profit that owns and operates a safe house in the northwest suburbs.

WINGS CEO Rebecca Darr came into our ABC 7 Eyewitness News studio to tell us about the incidence of domestic violence in Chicago, how to get help, and how to help someone who might be in a domestic violence situation.

1. Tips for individuals in domestic violence situations:

• Call the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline for support and to develop a safety plan: (877) TO-END-DV (1-877-863-6338), (877) 863-6339 (TTY)
• Establish a signal, such as turning a porch light or holiday lights on and off, to alert neighbors you are in danger.
• Download a safety app to automatically alert your support network if you are in danger.

2. Apps:

• Aspire News: https://www.whengeorgiasmiled.org/the-aspire-news-app/
• A list of apps from Salon: http://www.salon.com/2013/11/21/this_incredibly_smart_domestic_violence_app_could_save_womens_lives/
• P.F.O.: http://www.pfoapp.com/
• Circle of 6 http://www.circleof6app.com/
• Aurora http://www.women.nsw.gov.au/violence_prevention/domestic_and_family_violence_app

3. Tips for family members:

• Ask how you can provide support
• Offer to be available if she needs to talk
• Offer to help implement her safety plan if she decides to leave her current situation

4. Websites with tips:

• http://16days.thepixelproject.net/16-safety-ideas-and-tips-for-women-facing-domestic-violence-over-the-holiday-season/
• http://www.pcadv.org/Resources/Holiday12SafetyTips_PR_12032014.pdf

WINGS' Sweet Home Chicago Event (***Sold out***)

Sunday, Dec. 14

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Four Seasons Hotel

120 E. Delaware, Chicago