Statement from Angela Curran, President and CEO of Pillars Community Health
We are deeply saddened to share the tragic news of the murder of our former colleague, Maria Lazaro-Castillo, on Sunday, October 13th, because of domestic violence and gun violence. Maria worked in our Health Center from 2015-2020. Our hearts go out to Maria’s three children, family, friends, and colleagues as they navigate this devastating loss.
This heartbreaking incident is a stark reminder of the very real and growing threat that domestic violence and gun violence pose to our community. Last year alone, Illinois saw a 110% increase in domestic violence-related deaths, underscoring the urgency of this issue we are all too familiar with. Maria had secured an order of protection earlier this month, but it had not been served before the perpetrator shot her.
As we mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it is painfully clear that more must be done to protect victims before they can become survivors and prevent further loss of life. At Pillars Community Health, we remain steadfast in our commitment to breaking the cycle of violence through advocacy, education, and supportive services for those affected by domestic abuse. In addition, our state legislature needs to pass the stalled “Karina’s Bill,” which would better protect survivors of domestic violence by requiring law enforcement to carry out an order of protection within 48 hours and remove firearms when serving an emergency order of protection.
Maria’s life and legacy are a call to action for all of us. We must work together to raise awareness, provide resources, and advocate for stronger protections for survivors. Our community cannot afford to remain silent in the face of violence. We cannot lose another mother, daughter, colleague, or friend.
In Maria’s honor, we will continue our work to make our community safer and to empower individuals to live free from fear. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please know that help is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling 708-485-5254. You are not alone, and together, we can end this.