Group aims to raise awareness about domestic abuse

Friday, August 31, 2007 9:26 AM CDT

By Phyllis Coulter
pcoulter@pantagraph.com

BLOOMINGTON -- Steve Heldstab of Bloomington knew several people who were murdered at the hands of their partners. That is part of the reason he is among the founding members of the Central Illinois Men Against Domestic Abuse group.

Heldstab, a long-time State Farm Insurance Cos. security specialist, met with a judge, high school principal, court workers, social service officials, an ex-offender and survivors. They decided awareness about domestic abuse needed more attention.

"We have a vested interest to be good role models," Heldstab said.

Domestic abuse traditionally has been seen as mostly a women's problem, with men are typically the cause. But men need to be part of the solution, he said.

"A lot of people don't understand the danger," he said.

The group begins its efforts Saturday at a pep rally at Mount Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington. Participants will make signs and a float for the Labor Day parade.

About 50 people are expected to march in the parade Monday. More participants are welcome, he said.

Women are also part of the Central Illinois Men Against Domestic Abuse. Some are survivors, others are professionally involved, and others just care about the problem.

Sheryl Siebert, the group's secretary, said the parade and rally are just the beginning.

The group hopes to build a Peace House, the size of a child's playhouse, that will tour schools and children's museums where children can learn to use nonviolent language and behavior to play and communicate.

Who: Central Illinois Men Against Domestic Abuse

What: Public pep rally to prepare for the Labor Day parade. Supporters can make signs, decorate a float, sing and eat.

When: 2 p.m. Saturday

Where: Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, 801 W. Market St., Bloomington

What else: About 50 people are expected Monday to march against domestic abuse. To join the march, meet at the Labor Day parade staging area at Front and Center streets at 9 a.m. The parade begins at 10 a.m.