“Helping all people live free from violence and abuse”
– Center for Prevention of Abuse
It’s often said the hardest conversations are the most important ones. This idea is one that rings true for Peoria’s Center for Prevention of Abuse. They noted in their 2024 annual report that they have reached over 40,000 students by informing them about all forms of abuse prevention. These forms range from online bullying to teen dating violence and more. It’s clear that the Center for Prevention of Abuse is making a remarkable impact within the Peoria community, so that’s why I decided to talk to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Carol Merna, to understand more about what makes the CFPA important to Peoria.
CFPA has grown from a single rape crisis hotline that started 50 years ago in 1975 to a highly respected statewide leader in working to end abuse and break the cycle of generational violence. They serve as advocates for survivors of abuse throughout Central Illinois. They also serve as therapists, caseworkers, counselors, speakers, trainers, crisis managers, leaders, and community educators. CFPA not only cares for nearly 6,000 victims each year, but also works daily to educate people of all ages to prevent abuse before it begins.
When asked about her experience and interest in working for the CFPA, Merna retells how she spent the first 26 years of her career working as a professional congressional staffer serving three different members of the U.S. Congress representing the 18th Congressional District in Illinois. Working closely with the former head of the CFPA, Merna recalls how “It was easy to admire their success working toward the impressive mission to help all people live free from violence and abuse and the agency’s vision for a safe and peaceful community.” Once she retired in 2025, Carol Merna gratefully took her place as CEO of the CFPA and has honorably served her community since.
As CEO, Carol Merna oversees day-to-day operations, while also driving its mission and strategy. She provides leadership and is ultimately responsible for the performances, finances, and staff. She remains to be the “face” of the organization and plays a large role in fund development and building relationships in all the communities that the CFPA serves. Although at times it can be difficult, they believe great change can be made on a local level. Merna describes violence as a “pervasive” issue that requires attention from people at all levels, whether that be from the government or the very people who live in local communities like Peoria, Pekin, Washington, Dunlap, and more. Violence and abuse are societal issues, meaning they affect a large portion of the world, but the CFPA makes big strides in trying to reduce the stigma. With their free and confidential services, people’s lives have been turned around for the better, finding healing and peace, and ultimately, lives have been saved.
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