This page contains resources for any one questioning if they are in a relationship that qualifies as domestic violence, is in crisis or who needs assistance. Shelter resources are available to you even if you are not a resident. If you need help discerning the possibility of abuse please check our Definition of Abuse Page

National resources are listed first, followed by Chicago area resources, then other services (including resources specifically for immigrants, workplace violence, etc.), and links to smartphone apps.

National Resources:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233)
• National Network to End Domestic Violence: Significant resources and legal updates.
• Domestic shelters: Can help an individual find the closest shelter to their actual location. This site has many great educational links and services.
• The local YWCA usually has an abundance of resources, support and advocacy for individuals in need of assistance around domestic violence. Find the nearest one to you.
• The Anti-Violence Project has contact information for most major cities.

RESOURCES SPECIFICALLY FOR TEENS + CHILDREN: 

• National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline: 866-331-9474  (TTY: 1-866-331-8453)
• Visit the National Teen Dating Abuse website to chat with a peer advocate 24/7.
• RAINN (Rape, Assault, & Incest National Network) Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673).
• Nonconsensual Pornography Hotline: 844-878-2274.
• Victim Connect Hotline:  855-484-2846.

SOME AVAILABLE SHELTER SERVICES:

• Emergency shelter
• Individual counseling sessions
• Legal assistance
• Medical assistance
• Children’s counseling/services
• Information about Victims Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA) to protect your job and protect you in the workplace
• Information about the Safe Homes Act that allows renters who are victims to terminate their lease early or get their locks changed
• Information about adding protections for family pets to an Order of Protection
• Information about safety planning and strategies to increase safety such as providing a copy of an Order of Protection to an employer or to a child’s school; or varying routines including the time victims leave for work or the routes traveled
• Relocation support  
• Prescriptions and medical services

SMARTPHONE APPS:

The following is a list of apps that are specifically designed for individuals experiencing domestic or intimate partner violence:

• myPlan bilingual (Spanish) – requires PIN (personal identification number) to get in. Without a PIN, you’ll be directed to a dummy page. It’s an educational app and also holds a digitized safety plan.  
• Aspire – education, distress signal, send emergency notification. 
• Pevo – requires a PIN        
• Sunny – educational, text support, help, share your story and read others’ stories
• DVI – education and immediate help 
• Secretly Safe – requires a phrase to operate. Say the phrase if you feel threatened; operators will receive an alert, notify police and contact you. If you still feel threatened or do not respond, operators will send emergency services to your exact location.

HOTLINES FOR OTHER FORMS OF ABUSE:

Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)