It's not a topic that many people want to address, but it happens every day. Most often it doesn't flash across news tickers or grace giant billboards alongside the Kennedy Expressway. Instead it lurks in the homes of our neighbors, friends and even family members. 

While many are aware that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month it is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

"It's not a pretty issue, there's no pretty face and no pretty punch line," said Anne Marquez, director of development for Life Span. "But we have to understand that it's everywhere."

Life Span has been serving victims of domestic violence in Des Plaines for 32 years. The nonprofit organization not only counsels victims of all ages, sexes and backgrounds, but also provides legal services. Their counseling programs cover a range of issues including domestic violence, sexual assault and divorce.

"We deal with all sorts of violence and [building] healthy relationships," said Director of Operations Amy Fox. "So in our healthy relationship curriculum it's not just a relationship with someone you're dating or a family member, it's healthy relationships with everyone."

Outreach is a key factor in instances of domestic violence and assault. However, many times victims are afraid to come forth and discuss what they've experienced. To help cope with this, Life Span's location is completely confidential and caters to those with different backgrounds. Services are provided in English, Polish and Spanish.

Many people may know somebody affected by domestic violence and "if you already know somebody, there are ten other people you didn't know about," said Fox. According to a Life Span Annual Report, over 4,600 domestic violence clients received services last year, both in Des Plaines and throughout the Chicago area. That statistic includes women, men, children and teens. In the past two years the organization has focused on developing its teen programming for younger victims.

Life Span has two counselors that work out of the Des Plaines office for children and teens. They reach out to local schools by conducting one day workshops, free of charge. Counselors also see younger children and conduct individual counseling with them. However, the core of their work is going into middle schools and high schools such as Gemini Jr. High and Maine West High School.

Counselors like Martina Arambul work with kids on healthy relationships and self image issues. Arambul sees a lot of teenage girls who may be dealing with dating violence. Regardless of the issue, the bilingual social worker finds that working with kids and teens is rewarding, especially "being able to give them counseling while at school."

Perhaps the most important aspect of working within schools is that it enables Life Span to have a safe and convenient environment for pre-teens and teens to go to for help.

"A lot of kids might come from a home where there is domestic violence and their parents may not let them come in for counseling," said Fox.

Fear is not the only obstacle to overcome while seeking help in a violent relationship. Lack of information on the subject also plays a factor. Many working at Life Span agree that domestic violence will always be underreported. That's why outreach is essential in many different places. It's important that doctor's offices have brochures, and schools have information available for families. Life Span also offers information about their services at www.life-span.org. Keeping with the theme of confidentiality, visitors can quickly exit the site via a "safe exit" tool bar.

In order for Life Span to continue its work within the community, the city of Des Plaines has recently given them additional funding through a grant. Fundraising events are organized by Marquez and Fox who are continually trying to get more individual donations.

The easiest way to donate to Life Span is through their website. These donations allow the organization to provide better services and get in touch with more victims.

"Every child, every person deserves to have a safe home. …I grew up in a great family and to think that other people couldn't have that and don't have that? Then there's something wrong with that," said Fox.