Domestic violence does not discriminate — it has no boundaries. It hides not just in the inner city and far away lands, but in every neighborhood, every income and education level, every racial and ethnic group and every religion. Alarmingly, one in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes. All acts of domestic violence and abuse deteriorate our communities, lead to more violence and take us further away from the people God calls us to be. Breaking the cycle of violence has been an essential part of the services provided by Catholic Charities for many generations. We offer domestic violence counseling for women, focused therapies for children and teens who have witnessed abuse or been victims themselves, a comprehensive program for immigrant women in abusive situations and elder abuse services. The ultimate goal of our programs is to restore victims’ dignity and self-worth and help them develop a future that is free from violence and abuse. Soon, Catholic Charities will add another component to its continuum of domestic violence services. On July 1, the House of the Good Shepherd domestic violence shelter will be welcomed under the Catholic Charities umbrella. This remarkable institution has helped thousands of abused women and their children flee violence and rebuild their lives. Catholic Charities is tremendously honored that the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, who have served Chicago for more than 150 years, have entrusted this wonderful place of healing and hope to our care. We look forward to working with their dedicated staff and board members to continue the sisters’ tradition of treating each resident just as Jesus would: with compassion, dignity and love. In addition to all of these important direct service programs, a critical component of Catholic Charities continuum of care includes working with the archdiocesan director of domestic violence outreach, Dominican Father Charles Dahm, to educate parishioners about domestic violence and assist parishes in starting domestic violence ministries. Abused women often seek help first from their church because they see it as a safe place. Even if their abusers isolate them from other social contacts, they may still allow their victims to go to church. The initial disclosure of domestic violence often marks the beginning of a par-ticularly dangerous period for both survivor and children. Many parishes within the archdiocese rely on Catholic Charities’ professional support and training to assure the safety and well-being of those living in or attempting to flee a home in which domestic violence is occurring. There is no doubt that community out-reach and education is key to domestic violence intervention and prevention. Abuse thrives in silence, in darkness. It is estimated that only about 25 percent of domestic assaults are reported. And emotional or verbal abuse — often precursors to violence — are all too often overlooked or accepted. Many people, especially young women and teens, do not realize they are in abusive situations until it is too late. Part of Catholic Charities’ work with Dahm in the parishes is to help people understand the cycle of violence and identify the warning signs of abuse so that they can recognize when family members, friends, neighbors or they themselves need help. No one should live in fear of someone they love. Yet, millions of people from all walks of life suffer from the tragedy of domestic violence that acts like a plague in our communities. Love is not abuse. Jesus, our Prince of Peace, showed us love through compassion and understanding. Following his example, please join Catholic Charities as we shine hope and light on those living in the darkness of domestic violence, restoring their essential human dignity and making a positive impact against violence in our neighborhoods. If you need help call the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline 877-863-6338 or Catholic Charities Counseling Intake 312-655-7725.