Bavarian Fest Celebrates German Heritage, Helps Victims of Domestic Violence

As German music flowed from the mouths of the Die Musik Meisters, many enjoying the 3rd annual Bavarian Fest clanked their glasses in celebration. 

But the day also had a serious side—the event helps women and children to begin new lives away from domestic violence.

Director of the Crisis Center, Edward Vega, Sr. spoke about the importance of the Fest and what it means to the Crisis Center of South Suburbia.

"We thought doing Bavarian Fest would attract a younger population," said Vega. "As you can see we're reaching different people. It's an opportunity to learn about the Crisis Center and to learn about the trauma of domestic violence."

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, a woman is beaten every 15 seconds. 

"This is an incredible organization started by Dianne Masters and her friends," said CCSS special events coordinator, Chris Beele. "She began this out of her kitchen because she saw a need. Most of the support for the Crisis Center is through private donations and events like this fest."

Between July 2011 and June 2012, 74 people were killed as a result of domestic violence. Eight were in the two court districts served by the Crisis Center for South Suburbia.

In 2011, Tinley Park police responded to 1,287 domestic violence calls and made 73 arrests.

Every volunteer and employee who spends time at the Crisis Center goes through 40 hours of training. "Nobody starts a relationship with an abuser," Beele said. "You've been hoodwinked into falling in love with these people."

Patch interviewed women from the south suburbs who are survivors of domestic violence. Women like this contact the Crisis Center South Suburbia looking for help every day. 

One thought she met the perfect man. Friends introduced her to her former husband.

"He was in the ministry, he was charming and claimed to be a Christian," said the woman. (Patch is not using her name.) "We married quickly and things began to change. He would get angry if the house wasn't clean. He would kick me in the rear end and call me names. This didn't happen every week but each year the violence would increase."

As the cycle of abuse continued, she found the courage to call police and he was arrested.

"I met a court advocate from Crisis Center for South Suburbia, she encouraged me to not only get an Order of Protection but to get counseling for myself and my daughter. The services were free. I can tell you those were my hardest times, the darkest times. a whir of emotions, being in love with your husband but knowing one day he could harm me or yet our daughter. I would feel the sadness inside of me as our friends chose to believe the lies my husband had told them. One woman called and told me what a terrible thing I did to my husband...

"If you are reading this and are being abused...please call the Crisis Center. You can do this."

To connect with a domestic violence counselor call 708-429-SAFE. All services at the Crisis Center are free. You can also go online at www.crisctr.org  or go on Facebook.