Nothing is truly more horrifying than feeling like you're in danger and have no way of escaping. As a kid, my mom always used to say, "Something you choose to do in two seconds can change your entire life."

A chill went down my spine when I heard that statement semi-referenced in Netflix's newest movie 'Woman of the Hour.' If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. Not only because it's a good movie, but (in my opinion) it very accurately highlights what it feels like to be a woman and the fears we have to think about daily.

'Woman of the Hour' and the Rodney Alcala Murders

The movie is based on the notorious serial killer Rodney Alcala and how he went on a show in the 1970s called 'The Dating Game,' and won it. He confessed to the murders of 5 people but is suspected to have killed around 130.

What I love about the movie is it doesn't romanticize or allow us to empathize with the monster, but instead displays the true fear people experience and how it feels to trust the wrong person who you may have been vulnerable with.

Despite all of the backstory, it got me thinking about how important it is to know resources in your community that actively try to prevent these crimes from happening. The movie propelled me to look into phone numbers and support groups in Rockford so that I could write about them and share them... maybe put them on someone's radar for the next time they're out.

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Before I even get into resources here in Rockford, I want to say two things that I've ALWAYS told my friends, one of which was highlighted in the movie as well (another reason I felt called to talk about it...)

  1. ALWAYS tell people you know where you're going - parents, friends, it doesn't matter. Someone knowing where you are and how long you're going to be there is always smart and could save your life.
  2. Don't EVER leave someone alone while you're going out-  this one is talked about in the movie. I don't care how much fun my friend is having, we're both leaving at the same time if it's only the two of us there. Don't ever leave a friend alone, especially with someone neither of you know or that you vaguely know.

Now, on to the resources I promised.

Anti-Violence Resources in Rockford That Everyone Should Know About

First and foremost, if you are in life-threatening danger get to a public spot and call 911. 

However, here in Rockford, we are lucky that the city is making efforts to prevent acts of violence with The City of Rockford's Violence Prevention Coordinating Council. Their mission is to 'Prevent, Protect & Prosecute.'

Here's a list of resources for assistance...

  • City of Rockford Police Department (779) 348-7300 - you can also submit tips on suspects to 847411. Be sure to text the keyword RPDTIP (space) before submitting.
  • Winnebago County Sherrif's Department (815) 319-6000
  • Rockford Rescue Mission (815) 965-5332

This is a list I'd love to update and grow, so if you're aware of any that I can add please feel free to notify me!

The Task Force also has resources to support survivors of abuse and violence HERE.

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