Out of 108 Morton East students who answered the survey, 26 students (percent) reported having suffered from abuse at home.   

The most credible way that abuse can be described as a type of language that condemns or vilifies usually unjustly, intemperately, and angrily towards a person. People commonly confuse discipline with abuse. According to National Domestic Violence Hotline, nearly 3 in 10 women (29%) and 1 in 10 men (10%) in the US have experienced some type of abuse and reported a related impact on their behavior. Morton East now has a flyer containing different services that one can contact and report if they are experiencing some sort of abuse.   

“It is a really sad; heartbreaking experience. Teachers should be a haven in school for a student. As a teacher, I must report it to the counselor and follow the legal duties,” Physics and Astronomy teacher, Ms. Jackson said.    

Students who often suffer from any type of abuse, report it to a trustworthy teacher or adult. The students should know they have plenty of resources around school and in the community. Teachers are safe havens for students and any other person in the building.    

“We don’t require victims to admit the violence. We also can’t force our services. We offer individual and group counseling for domestic violence and sexual abuse,” Mujeres Latinas en Accion, Karen said.    

This is one of the groups anyone that suffers from domestic violence or/and sexual abuse can visit or call.     

“Students should report abuse to a trustful adult. If a student reports physical abuse, our job is to report it at DCFS. Students don’t often report abuse because they’re afraid their parents are going to get in trouble. Violence is hard to say out loud. Fear inspires a victim to remain quiet. This is a safe place; you can come for help. We’re always here to listen,” Morton East Counselor, Ms. O’Neil said.   

Most of the students don’t recognize the opportunities they have here in school. They can always go to a counselor, social worker or even a teacher from there. Teachers aren’t only there to teach, they are also there to learn more about the students, they connect with them. In Morton East there’s always someone who will be there for anyone; you must speak up.    

“Nobody deserves to be abused and an adult needs to help intervene in these situations. Out of school, a person can go to the police to make a report or tell a trusted adult to help. The youth needs to understand that abuse is reported to a school staff member, we must contact DCFS to share information. It is important to understand what types of abuse there are- physical, emotional, verbal and sexual,” Morton East Social Worker, Meghan Meyer said.   

Students recognize they have help but still are afraid their parents might get in trouble. It is safe for students to know that they aren’t alone. They always have someone in school or the community, they just must look for that certain person or help.    

“I think sometimes students may be afraid to report the abuse for fear of the unknown- they don’t know what will happen after it’s reported. It is difficult to say exactly what will happen, as each case is so different, but the focus is always on the student’s safety. Students can seek support at school for whatever may happen next so that they have someone to help them through the process,” Morton East Social Worker, Abigail Segovia said.  

The process for every case is different. Students shouldn’t be afraid of what will happen. They should speak about it; this will make them warriors. They keep fighting their own battles, but all students should know that Morton East is with them at any given moment.