By Jennifer Zittnan

news@thewoodstockindependent.com

At 6 p.m. on Oct. 15, Turning Point will host their annual candlelight vigil in the Woodstock Square to honor those who have lost their lives to domestic violence. The event is free and all are welcome. In the past year there have been two such loss of lives with an association to McHenry County. “We all know someone,” said Turning Point Executive Director Mary Margaret Maule. Author Nichole Yunger will be speaking at the vigil as it is the tenth anniversary of her sister’s death due to domestic violence. Yunger published “The Good One: A Memoir of Love, Loss and Justice,” a story of her triplet sister’s murder. 

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. According to Maule, the best thing the community can do to support the organization is to educate themselves and others. This can begin with being aware of services available in McHenry County. Turning Point, Inc. is the only comprehensive domestic violence agency in McHenry County. Located in Woodstock, Turning Point offers the following services:

– A 24-hour domestic violence helpline at (815) 338-8081

– Safe, secure emergency shelter of 30-60 day stays for those actively fleeing domestic violence

– Individual and group counseling for children, teens and adults

– Mental health services for survivors of domestic violence conducted by a licensed mental health professional

– Men’s mental health services for those who are survivors or witnesses of domestic violence or who are concerned about their own use of anger or control

– Partner Abuse Intervention program, a 26-week psycho-educational program to help clients identify abusive behaviors in their relationships and learn new skills to resolve conflict successfully

– Survivor’s Intervention program, designed for people who have been violent in their relationship but have not been identified as the primary aggressor

– Positive Partnering Interventions, intended for the treatment and prevention of child abuse and neglect

– Legal advocacy, to assist with filing orders of protection 

– Outreach and prevention, providing free presentations on healthy relationships, bullying, intimate partner violence, and Turning Point, Inc. services

“One out of four women will be impacted by domestic violence within their lifetime,” said Maule. “This is a community issue.” Last year she said Turning Point held 1,300 presentations on outreach and prevention. She said in schools, their primary focus is on teaching what healthy relationships look like so that it is easier to recognize an unhealthy relationship. Maule also said that they try to educate front-line witnesses to domestic abuse – such as cosmetologists (who can spend a lot of private time with victims), bankers (who are witness to financial relationships and control) and school counselors (who witness child abuse and romantic relationships at school). There are seven different types of abuse: physical, verbal, mental, financial, sexual, stalking and digital.

“The pattern in digital control and tracking is what alarms me most right now,” Maule said. She referenced a case of reputation abuse in March 2024 at Richmond-Burton High School, when two juveniles were arrested for using artificial intelligence to create deepfake images of a fellow student. “With technology, for every good use there’s also a nefarious use to it,” said Maule.

Turning Point is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. Incorporated in 1981, it was founded in 1980 by a group of women after their friend was physically abused by her husband and, after going to the court for help, was told by the judge to go home and deal with the “family matter,” according to Turning Point’s website. Their anniversary year will culminate in a fundraising gala in April 2027 in Crystal Lake. Upcoming events include a friendraiser featuring a “Gentleman’s Pour” with the theme “What’s your responsibility?” in early November by invitation only. If interested, contact Mary Margaret Maule. 

The walls of Turning Point are covered in art created by clients in the art therapy program. There are toys for children in waiting centers and an emergency food pantry. There are colorful blankets and pillows on couches in waiting areas. The building is primed in every way to serve those in need of its services, along with reminders on its wall that say, “You are enough.” This October, remember their mission to educate and raise awareness. The best way to help and prevent domestic violence is to believe, support and refer for help. For questions or for more information, go to Turning Point’s website at turnpt.org.