Calls to the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women’s Network typically average about 2,000 a day.
The week that video surfaced of Ray Rice punching his fiancee in an Atlantic City casino elevator, calls to the organization increased by 120 percent.
Chicago-area workers in the field of domestic violence hope the Bears will join them in their efforts, just as the team did some time ago to join the fight against breast cancer.
"One of the things we want to talk to the Bears about is a statewide campaign for education and public relations so we are out in front of the community all the time about domestic violence," said Kathy Doherty, executive director of the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women’s Network.
Doherty said her group is scheduled to have a conversation with the team Thursday .
Kimberly Trimmel, who experienced domestic violence in her home growing up and for a time while she was married, made the decision to come out the shadows years ago.
"When I was growing up nobody said anything," Trimmel said.
"I think it’s important for people to know there is hope and there are resources and there is a way out," she said.
The Domestic Violence hotline for anyone needing help is 877-863-6338.
"The more comfortable we get with talking about the uncomfortable, maybe we can have healthy conversations about how do we minimize this, how do we eradicate it," Trimmel said.
