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https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fss/provdrs/dom_violence/svcs/domestic_violencehelpline.html

1.877.863.6338

This service works with the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women’s Network to operate a hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This hotline is run by trained domestic violence advocates and provides general information and referrals to proper services.

The staff can also provide information including community-based referrals on shelters, counseling, legal advocacy, civil legal services, supervised child visitation centers, and perpetrator services.

https://the-network.org/

312.527.0730

The mission of the network is to improve the lives of those impacted by domestic violence through education, public policy and advocacy, and the connection of community members to direct service providers. The group also works in the legal community to help victims and survivors.

The Help Line is used by:

• Victims
• Concerned family and friends
• Perpetrators of domestic violence
• Helping professionals
• Health care workers, faith leaders, police officers, and prosecutors

https://the-network.org

Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline

877.863.6338 (877.TO END DV)

The Hotline provides crisis intervention and referrals to emergency housing and support services to victims of domestic violence.  In addition, Hotline advocates can provide information and resources to concerned family and friends and can also train people to help.

The Hotline is funded through a collaborative funding model with the City of Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services.

thehotline.org

1.800.799.7233

TTY: 1.800.787.3224

This hotline has highly-trained advocates available all day (and night) every day to talk confidentially with anyone experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship.

Additionally, their website is filled with articles on domestic violence, what a healthy relationship should look like, and helping those in deaf or hard of hearing, blind, disabled, LGBTQ, and immigrant communities.

1.800.603.HELP (4357)

773.274.5232

TTY: 773.274.6508

https://www.betweenfriendschicago.org/

Between Friends is a non-profit agency that provides education, support, counseling, and advocacy services to prevent domestic violence. Their crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day.

They offer counseling for individuals, families, and group settings as well as for financial literacy, direct assistance, and for childcare. The court advocacy program helps survivors secure Criminal or Civil Orders of Protection for Rolling Meadows and downtown Chicago in both English and Spanish. They accompany them to court, follow up on their case, and advocate for them with other agencies. 

Between Friends can also connect you to family law attorneys through their free legal clinics in Rogers Park and Rolling Meadows. A Choice for Hope (REACH) is a comprehensive teen dating violence prevention program and they have community education and healthcare programs. 

Every month they offer opportunities for domestic violence survivors to meet with family law attorneys who provide free legal advice to survivors of domestic violence. During these one-on-one consultations, attorneys answer questions about orders of protection, divorce, child support, child custody, and other issues. 

Legal clinics on the North Side of Chicago are offered on the Wednesday of every month from 6:00-8:00 pm at Between Friends’ main office in Chicago. Call 773. 274.5232 x 23 for more information or to reserve your space at the next legal clinic.

The National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence suggests these steps to consider when making plans to leave are outlined here. 

https://wingsprogram.com/ 

The mission of WINGS Program, Inc. is to provide housing, integrated services, education and advocacy to end domestic violence.

On any given night, WINGS' two emergency shelters provide housing for those fleeing violent situations. Their emergency shelters provide safe haven for victims, a place where violence cannot find them. 

WINGS operates two Safe Houses – one in the northwest suburbs and one on the southwest side of Chicago. Their two Safe Houses have the capacity to house 85 people each night.

Victims who are actively fleeing a violent situation can find refuge at our Safe Houses – with or without their children. Our Safe Houses provide temporary shelter, safety planning, food, and clothing. The family and child advocates who staff our Safe Houses can also help residents access critical services such as counseling, legal advocacy, and assistance securing orders of protection.

http://neopolitanlighthouse.org/

Hotline: 773.722.0005

pcneopolitan@gmail.com

Neopolitan Lighthouse has a 25-bed domestic violence shelter which is open 24-hours a day, 365 days a year for women and children fleeing abusive relationships, where families can stay for 180 days, and are provided with counseling, support groups, and case managers. The legal advocacy department helps women obtain orders of protection, and will accompany women to both civil and criminal courts. They can also provide referrals for divorce and child support cases.

https://pillarscommunityhealth.org/services/domestic-and-sexual-violence-services/domestic-violence-constance-morris-house/

708.485.5254

Constance Morris House is a domestic violence shelter - a place for survivors to find refuge as they flee abusive relationships.

Domestic violence survivors are encouraged to learn about their options for change and empower themselves to make informed decisions about their future. Services are provided at NO COST and are available in English, Spanish, and Arabic. 

Additionally, they provide crisis intervention, case management, individual, family, and group therapy, legal and medical advocacy, onsite health care and referrals for shelter residents including wellness exams, triage and treatment for acute illness, and prenatal care.

1116 N. Kedzie, 5th Floor

Chicago, IL 60647-7316

Hotline: 773.278.4566 (24 hours)

773.489.9081 Administrative Office

TTY: 773.278.4114 

https://www.cawc.org/

cawcadmin@mindspring.com

Connections for Abused Women and their Children (“CAWC”) provides a shelter for women and children (including boys up to 18 years-old accompanied by their mothers), counseling, and advocacy, and a 24-hour hotline for people affected by domestic violence.

9204 South Commercial Ave, Suite 401

Chicago, IL 60617

Hotline: 800.360.6619 (24 hours) or 773.375.8400 (Spanish is spoken.)

TTY: 773.375.8774

https://familyrescueinc.org

administration@familyrescueinc.org

Family Rescue provides support services and shelter for domestic violence victims, all services are provided in both English and Spanish. The shelter is open 24-hours a day, every day of the year, and houses women and their children, including teen boys up to 18 years old accompanied by their mother. Family Rescue also has a subsidized permanent housing to help victims of domestic violence transition from homelessness to an independent and secure lifestyle. This includes programs for children who have been exposed to domestic violence and daycare programs. Finally, the Court Advocacy Program helps clients with orders of protection, child support and custody, and divorce.

www.hgschicago.org

773.935.3434

Are you a victim of domestic violence and looking for a place for healing and recovery?  The House of the Good Shepherd has opened its doors and hearts to women and children who face unimaginable trauma and fear. Our holistic transitional housing and family violence recovery programs empower women and children to leave behind the cycle of violent homes, step out of poverty, and embrace a future full of hope and self-determination. 

9204 South Commercial Ave., Suite 401

Chicago, IL 60617

Hotline: 800.360.6619 (24 hours) or 773.375.8400 (Spanish is spoken.)

TTY: 773.375.8774

https://familyrescueinc.org

administration@familyrescueinc.org

Family Rescue provides support services and shelter for domestic violence victims, all services are provided in both English and Spanish. The shelter is open 24-hours a day, every day of the year, and houses women and their children, including teen boys up to 18 years old accompanied by their mother. Family Rescue also has a subsidized permanent housing to help victims of domestic violence transition from homelessness to an independent and secure lifestyle. This includes programs for children who have been exposed to domestic violence and daycare programs. Finally, the Court Advocacy Program helps clients with orders of protection, child support and custody, and divorce.

One North Dearborn, Suite 1000

Chicago, IL 60602

312.986.4200

https://www.metrofamily.org/legal-aid-society/about-las/

Metropolitan Family Services has a main office in Chicago and seven community centers in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs,. Their staff includes clinical social workers and counselors, case managers, mental health professionals, early childhood educators, and lawyers who provide counsel and services. The Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Family Services helps low-income clients with a wide range of legal issues from cases of domestic violence, family and elder law, and housing and consumer issues. 

To reach the Legal Aid Society, please call 312.986.4200. You can find their full list of community centers on their website.

70 E. Lake Street, Suite 700

Chicago, IL 60601

After Hours Crisis Line: 847.532.9540

http://life-span.org/

life-span@life-span.org

Life Span provides free legal services for issues related to domestic violence and sexual assault including direct legal representation (in both English and Spanish) in actions for orders of protection, custody, visitation, and child support to Illinois residents including immigrants who are suffering from domestic violence that do not have legal immigration documents. Also provides domestic violence training for those interested in helping others and counseling for adults, teens, and children who have suffered from or been exposed to domestic violence.

https://familyrescueinc.org/

8811 S. Stony Island Ave.

Chicago, IL 60617

Family Rescue is dedicated to eliminating domestic violence in the Chicago community by providing comprehensive support services and shelter to victims of domestic violence; particularly to abused women and their children; engaging in advocacy to promote future system change and encouraging prevention through community education. Family Rescue offers survivors of domestic violence a variety of services to help them rebuild their lives, such as:

• Crisis intervention
• Supportive counseling
• Legal and social service advocacy
• Life skills education
• Non-emergency medical assistance
• Substance abuse counseling and support
• Children’s programs
• Referral to partnering agencies when needed

1.800.603.HELP (4357)

773.274.5232

TTY: 773.274.6508

https://www.betweenfriendschicago.org/

Between Friends is a non-profit agency that provides education, support, counseling, and advocacy services to prevent domestic violence. Their crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day.

They offer counseling for individuals, families, and group settings as well as for financial literacy, direct assistance, and for childcare. The court advocacy program helps survivors secure Criminal or Civil Orders of Protection for Rolling Meadows and downtown Chicago in both English and Spanish. They accompany them to court, follow up on their case, and advocate for them with other agencies. 

Between Friends can also connect you to family law attorneys through their free legal clinics in Rogers Park and Rolling Meadows. A Choice for Hope (REACH) is a comprehensive teen dating violence prevention program and they have community education and healthcare programs. 

Every month they offer opportunities for domestic violence survivors to meet with family law attorneys who provide free legal advice to survivors of domestic violence. During these one-on-one consultations, attorneys answer questions about orders of protection, divorce, child support, child custody, and other issues. 

Legal clinics on the North Side of Chicago are offered on the Wednesday of every month from 6:00-8:00pm at Between Friends’ main office in Chicago. Call 773. 274.5232 x 23 for more information or to reserve your space at the next legal clinic.

https://wingsprogram.com/ 

The mission of WINGS Program, Inc. is to provide housing, integrated services, education and advocacy to end domestic violence.

On any given night, WINGS' two emergency shelters provide housing for those fleeing violent situations. Their emergency shelters provide safe haven for victims, a place where violence cannot find them. 

WINGS operates two Safe Houses – one in the northwest suburbs and one on the southwest side of Chicago. Their two Safe Houses have the capacity to house 85 people each night.

Victims who are actively fleeing a violent situation can find refuge at our Safe Houses – with or without their children. Our Safe Houses provide temporary shelter, safety planning, food, and clothing. The family and child advocates who staff our Safe Houses can also help residents access critical services such as counseling, legal advocacy, and assistance securing orders of protection.

http://neopolitanlighthouse.org/

Hotline: 773.722.0005

pcneopolitan@gmail.com

Neopolitan Lighthouse has a 25-bed domestic violence shelter which is open 24-hours a day, 365 days a year for women and children fleeing abusive relationships, where families can stay for 180 days, and are provided with counseling, support groups, and case managers. 

The legal advocacy department helps women obtain orders of protection, and will accompany women to both civil and criminal courts. They can also provide referrals for divorce and child support cases.

 2124 W. 21st Place

Chicago, IL 60608

Hotline: 312.738.5358

https://mujereslatinasenaccion.org/

Mujeres Latinas is a social service that addresses the needs of Latinas such as health, safety, culture, financial security, and women’s rights. All of their services are in both Spanish and English. Mujeres Latinas does not provide legal representation.

https://www.cawc.org/ 

1116 N. Kedzie, 5th Floor

Chicago, IL 60647-7316

Hotline: 773.278.4566 (24 hours)

773.489.9081 Administrative Office

TTY 773.278.4114 

cawcadmin@mindspring.com

Spanish is spoken.

708.485.5254

https://pillarscommunityhealth.org/services/domestic-and-sexual-violence-services/domestic-violence-constance-morris-house/

Services are provided in English, Spanish, and Arabic.

https://www.betweenfriendschicago.org/

1.800.603.HELP (4357)

773.274.5232

TTY: 773.274.6508

Spanish is spoken.

 www.apnaghar.org

1.800.717.0757 or 773.334.4663

773.883.HOME (4663)

4350 North Broadway, 2nd Floor

Chicago, IL 60613

info@apnaghar.org

Apna Ghar is a domestic violence shelter serving primarily Asian and Middle Eastern women and children. They have a 24-hour hotline service, a 24-hour emergency shelter for women and children where they can stay for up to 90 days, individual and group counseling for residents and non-residents with a focus on breaking the cycle of violence. Their legal advocacy helps survivors understand and navigate the legal system, both civil and criminal, and they help immigrant survivors of gendered violence obtain status and work authorizations. The center also serves as a location for supervised child visitation and a safe exchange location. They also have an outreach and education department.

http://www.kanwin.org 

Hotline: 773.583.0880

info@kanwin.org

Korean American Women in Need provides free comprehensive services to women and children affected by domestic violence such as a 24-hour hotline, transitional housing, legal advocacy, case management, support group for survivors, children’s programs, and sexual assault services programs. All programs are bilingual (Korean and English) and there is a language translator for non- English or non-Korean-speaking callers to the hotline.

https://pillarscommunityhealth.org/services/domestic-and-sexual-violence-services/domestic-violence-constance-morris-house/

708.485.5254

Services are available in English, Spanish, and Arabic. 

http://www.deqh.org/

908.FOR.DEQH 

A support helpline for South Asian lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals offering free, confidential, culturally-sensitive peer support, information, and resources by telephone for LGBTQ South Asian individuals, families and friends around the globe.

http://www.centeronhalsted.org/AVP.html 

The Anti-Violence Project (AVP) at the Center on Halsted empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-affected communities and allies to end all forms of violence through organizing and education, and supports survivors through counseling and advocacy.

AVP at Center on Halsted provides comprehensive individual and community programs for survivor advocacy and support to LGBTQIA survivors of hate and bias violence, discrimination, intimate partner violence, stalking, and/or sexual assault. If you or someone you know has experienced violence, threats, or intimidation AVP can work with you to help ensure your safety and provide the support you need.

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fss/provdrs/dom_violence/svcs/domestic_violencehelpline.html

1.877.863.6338

TTY: 1.877.863.6339

The Division on Domestic Violence (DDV) in the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services leads the City of Chicago’s multi-layered response to domestic violence. DDV supports a network of service providers that address the victim’s counseling and legal needs. Services include the 24/7 hotline, counseling, legal services, legal advocacy, supervised visitation, safe exchange and multi-disciplinary teams.

246-PRIDE (national youth talkline) 

https://www.glbthotline.org/

GLBT National Help Center offers several different programs including two national hotlines that help members of our community talk about the important issues that they are facing in their lives. We help end the isolation that many people feel, by providing a safe environment on the phone or via the internet to discuss issues that people can't talk about everywhere else. The GLBT National Help Center also helps other organizations build the infrastructure they need to provide strong support to our community at the local level. 

http://www.deqh.org/

908.FOR.DEQH (908-367-3374)

A support helpline for South Asian lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals offering free, confidential, culturally-sensitive peer support, information, and resources by telephone for LGBTQ South Asian individuals, families and friends around the globe.

http://www.loveisrespect.org/ 

Hotline: 1.866.331.9474 

Designed for teens and young adults, this national, 24-helpline offers real-time, one-on-one support from peer advocates. Young leaders are trained to offer support, information, and advocacy to those involved in dating abuse relationships as well as concerned friends, parents, teachers, clergy, law enforcement, and service providers.

thehotline.org

1.800.799.7233; TTY: 1.800.787.3224

This hotline has highly-trained advocates available all day (and night) every day to talk confidentially with anyone experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship.

Additionally, their website is filled with articles on domestic violence, what a healthy relationship should look like, and helping those in deaf or hard of hearing, blind, disabled, LGBTQ, and immigrant communities.

If someone you love is being abused, it can be so difficult to know what to do. Your instinct may be to “save” them from the relationship, but it’s not that easy. After all, there are many reasons why people stay in abusive relationships, and leaving can be a very dangerous time for a victim.

Abuse is about power and control, so one of the most important ways you can help a person in an abusive relationship is to consider how you might empower them to make their own decisions. Additionally, you can offer support in various ways:

Let them know that the abuse is not their fault. Reassure them that they are not alone and that there is help and support out there. It may be difficult for them to talk about the abuse. Let them know that you are available to help whenever they may need it. What they need most is someone who will listen and believe them.

Respect your friend or family member’s decisions. There are many reasons why victims stay in abusive relationships. They may leave and return to the relationship many times. Do not criticize their decisions or try to guilt them. They will need your support even more during those times.

Even though the relationship was abusive, your friend or family member may still feel sad and lonely once it is over. They will need time to mourn the loss of the relationship and will especially need your support at that time.

Check out information on creating a safety plan for wherever they are in their relationship—whether they're choosing to stay, preparing to leave, or have already left.

Find a local agency that provides counseling or support groups. Encourage them to call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) to get a referral to one of these programs near you. Offer to go with them. If they have to go to the police, court or lawyer’s office, offer to go along for moral support.

Although it is difficult to see someone you care about get hurt, ultimately they are the one who has to make the decisions about what they want to do. It’s important for you to support them no matter what they decide, and help them find a way to safety and peace.

Visit thehotline.org for additional info on helping teens and co-workers in abusive relationships, what defines healthy and unhealthy relationship, and more.