‘You just don't have to suffer alone'; Domestic violence resources support Mattoon
On Friday, police found 60-year-old Lori Ames dead near Oak Ave. and 30th St. Her son, 31-year-old Douglas Reed admitted to fatally hitting Ames with a hammer. He has since been charged with first-degree murder.
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Back in November, the Coles County Coroner said 37-year-old Davontye Browder shot 34-year-old Keisha Seely before turning the gun on himself. It happened near Grant Ave. and North 34th St.
For some victims of domestic violence, it can be hard for them to realize how serious it is before it's too late.
'I don't think that people always understand how lethal the situation is,' said HOPE Executive Director Kelly Hardy.
HOPE of East Central Illinois offers housing, counseling and legal advocacy for victims.
Although the resources are available, Hardy said it takes immense bravery to reach out for help.
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'You may not know what resources exist, but by calling the hotline you'll be able to empower yourself with education,' she said.
A 2023 report from the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence showed a 110% increase in domestic violence-related homicides in Illinois from the previous year.
In 2022, 45 incidents led to 57 domestic violence deaths. In 2023, 94 incidents led to 120 people dead.
Before it reaches that point, Hardy said support is just a call away.
'You just don't have to suffer alone,' Hardy said. 'The impact of having a trained advocate in domestic violence situations can really be the contributing factor of a victim seeing themselves on a path free from violence.'
HOPE's crisis hotline can be reached at 888-345-3990. The state's hotline is 877-863-6338.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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