DUPAGE COUNTY (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — DuPage County is launching a new way to assist victims of domestic violence — one that they hope can help survivors without alerting their abuser to the potential help.
The problem, said suburban Woodridge Police Chief Brian Cunningham, is that those who are most in need often don’t want anyone to know they might be seeking help.
“Routinely, we go to the same addresses over, and over, and over, and over again,” Cunningham said. “A lot of times, we struggle to get that victim, that spouse that needs help, to accept that help for fear that there’s going to be reprisals.”
DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said the same concerns regularly keep survivors from taking pamphlets or cards about assistance from police and paramedics. But now, he said first responders will show victims a QR code that can be scanned by a phone.
“The QR code, created by the Family Violence Coordinating Council and the State’s Attorney’s Office, will provide victims with critical information and available resources, but it will do so in a manner that protects their safety and security,” Berlin said.
The code contains links to agencies that can provide help with shelter, counseling and other services., but the links are not obvious. If an abuser finds the code, it will go to a routine looking website.
Fire medic John Caldwell, who first hatched the idea, said victims will be told where to click for help.
“Having a QR code for them to scan, they can hide it easier on their phone, in case they’re ready to leave that abusive partner or leave the situation that they’re in,” said Caldwell.
Officials said the system's been in development for about one year, and they hope the steps to keep any help confidential will get more people to seek assistance.
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