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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2009
SUSAN MURPHY MILANO'S JOURNAL
The hurdles a victim of abuse must cross once they contact police after an anrgry explosion with an abuser can be overwhelming. As an example Kathy Cleaves-Milan was living with her young daughter and boyfriend in the Elm Creek apartment complex in Elmhurst Illinois when her abuser pulled out a loaded gun threatening to kill her and himself. She contacted police who arrived at the complex, he was arrested and the next day she was in front of a judge requesting an order of protection.
The management spoke with Kathy and arrangements for the abusers personal items were going to be moved into a storgae locker located in the complex. A day or two passed and Kathy went to the leasing office with her order of protection. The management company told Kathy she and her daughter could remain as long as her income could be verified. Kathy asked permission and was given permission to pay rent on the 15th of the month.
Kathy went to the bank to secure a cashiers check calling the property managment for the full amount owed. The leasing informed that she was being evicted because the arrest of her boyfriend by police was in clear violation of her lease. "As the safety of our resident is our top priority, we have a sero-tolerance police for any criminal activies said a spokesperson.
Kathy did not give up leaving her abusive relationship she sought legal advice from the Sargent Shriver National center who have filed a lawsuit against the apartment complex for the 2007 eviction that went on her credit report as an unpaid debt and learned she was being sought for the money when a collection agency called over the summer.
The Illinois Safe Homes Act allows a victim of abuse to early termination of the lease or request a lock change at no additional charge to the victim.
Kathy Cleaves-Milan is a successful "thriver." She did not allow circumstances beyond her control to keep her from moving forward successfully leaving the abuse and supporting her now 11 year-old daughter in a toxic free and safe envornment.
If you are a victim of abuse, seeking services for counseling, advocacy or divorce, confidental assistance and direction on your journey as a successful thriver is a phone call away 1-800-799-SAFE. The National Coaltion Against Domestic Violence is there for you 7 days a week, 24-hours a day.
POSTED BY SUSAN MURPHY MILANO'S JOURNAL AT 02:55 
LABELS: ABUSE, BROKEN LEGAL SYSTEM, CHICAGO TRIBUNE, EVICTION,GUNPOINT, HOUSING INDUSTRY
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