Women Affected by Domestic Violence Receive Support at The Weitzman Center

In 1992, psychotherapist Dr. Susan Weitzman began working with and studying women trapped in unfortunate and violent marriages that, from the outside, seemed enviable. The domestic violence she learned about from these upscale women propelled her to open The Weitzman Center in 2001 with a mission to overcome the belief that these circumstances only affect certain populations. The 2005 CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey found that one in four women in the United States were victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives regardless of race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. The Weitzman Center is the first organization of its kind and not only does it help those in the Chicago area, but it also has enacted national outreach programs.

As if upscale domestic abuse isn’t bad enough, many times the women affected by it lose everything they have when they try to get out. Financially they lose the support of a husband, which in turn may legally force the children away from them as well. After the marriage is over, there isn’t even a guarantee that abuse will stop. The Bureau of Justice Statistics states that separated and divorced males and females are at a greater risk of nonfatal intimate partner violence than those that are in unfortunate marriages.

Each time another victim loses her children and financial support, you have an opportunity to challenge the stereotype that upscale women are not victims of domestic violence. Thousands of women from “enviable lifestyles” are losing custody of their children and facing financial insecurity due to events and decisions that favor their partners. You can help these women by supporting the education program at The Weitzman Center through a donation. Even a small contribution of $25 makes a difference to those in need.

If you wish to contribute in honor of a friend or family member, The Weitzman Center will notify your honoree of your generous gift by card or email, whichever you desire. You can donate directly by pressing here and using PayPal to pay by credit card. You can also mail your contribution to The Weitzman Center 203 N. Wabash Ave., Ste. #2000, Chicago, Ill. 60601. The Weitzman Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit and all contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.

About The Weitzman Center
The Weitzman Center is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide support and information to women and families struggling against the effects of upscale abuse. Resources and education are also available to those working to help.

To learn more, visit http://www.theweitzmancenter.org/ or call (312) 444-1777.