Domestic violence is the physical, emotional, verbal or sexual abuse of an intimate partner or family member. It is against the law. Domestic violence affects individuals and families in every socioeconomic and demographic group. It also has a social, health and economic impact in our community. Based on reports by domestic violence programs, law enforcement agencies and emergency rooms, approximately 94% of all domestic violence cases involve a man abusing a woman.
The underlying philosophy of our Domestic Violence Program is that every person has a right to live in a safe environment. Our role is to support, provide information about resources, advocate when systems are blocking their progress and provide a safe place to stay when their home is not safe. If you are interested in any of the services listed below, please contact the Community Crisis Center at 847-697-2380.
Services Available
Safety Planning
Both short term and long term safety planning is a primary concern for any victim of domestic violence. The most dangerous time for a victim is when they leave. Since our website is available to anyone with internet access, we will not post suggestions for safety planning here. If you need to make a safety plan or plan on leaving your current situation, please talk with one our professional counselors in a confidential setting.
24-Hour Crisis Hotline
Call us any time of the day or night to talk to a counselor. Everything you say will be kept confidential and you may remain anonymous if you wish. Often it helps to talk to someone who will really listen.
Emergency Shelter
If you are not safe at home or don’t have a place to call home, please call us. We have a 40-bed shelter for women and their children. Everyone deserves to have a safe place to sleep, eat, and live. A case manager will work with you while you are here to help make a safety plan for you and your children.
Medical Advocacy
If you are in the emergency room at Provena St. Joseph, Sherman or Delnor Hospitals as a result of a violent incident, please notify the nurse. The nurse will notify us and an advocate will come to the hospital to offer support while you are there. If needed, you can come to the shelter upon leaving the hospital.
Legal Advocacy
You may be eligible under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act for an order of protection. It may help protect you from further abuse, grant you care and temporary custody of your children, give you possession of your home and more. A domestic violence advocate can help answer your questions about an order of protection, police response, court procedures and other legal actions. An advocate can also go with your to court appearances and provide you with a cell phone so you can call 911.
Individual Counseling
Domestic violence counselors are available to speak with you by phone or in person with or without an appointment. They can help you sort through your thoughts, listen to your story, calm your fears, provide a safety plan and help you with your next steps.
Weekly Support Groups
Help your healing process by joining a weekly support group. You will feel the support of others who are also experiencing abusive and controlling behaviors from their partners.
Children’s Services
The Community Crisis Center offers several services for children including: individual counseling, group activities centered on non-violent problem solving and parenting groups.
Information and Referral Services
We maintain an extensive database of professionals and programs available to our clients. If you have additional needs that are better served by another agency, we will provide you with a referral.
