Domestic Violence Resources in Chicago

SAFETY TIPS

If you are viewing websites that you don’t want the abuser to see, make sure you clear your browser history when you are finished, use a password protected computer, or use a computer that s/he doesn’t have access to, such as a friend’s or library’s computer.

For making phone calls, avoid using your home phone or regular cell phone, because the abuser may be able to look through the phone records. Instead, try to get a cell phone that’s free to people experiencing domestic violence or pay for another phone that the abuser doesn’t know about, such as a prepaid phone. If you need to give out your regular phone number while you acquire a secret phone, instruct callers to call from a restricted number.

Domestic Violence Courthouse
Circuit Court of Cook County
555 West Harrison Street, Suite 4400
Chicago, IL 60607
312-325-9000
TTY 312-603-6673
Fax 312-325-9017

You can go to this courthouse to file an Order of Protection (OP), which is one of the first steps in separating yourself from an abuser. Onsite there are legal advocates who can help you file for an Order of Protection for free. It’s best to go early in the day and dress professionally if you can. Bring with you any records and evidence of domestic violence that you may have, such as copies of threatening emails or letters, photos of bruises, medical records if you saw a doctor related to your injuries, police reports, etc.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE-RELATED SERVICES
There are also a number of agencies that can help you if you are experiencing domestic violence. Services can include therapy, support groups, finding safe housing, legal services, childcare, an emergency cell phone, food, clothing, and rental assistance. Their addresses are generally not publicized as a way of keeping their clients safe.

Here are some:

Apna Ghar
*NOT recommended by a dv survivor

Between Friends
www.betweenfriendschicago.org
Crisis Hotline: 800-603-HELP (4357)
Main: 773-274-5232
TTY: 773-274-6508
Fax: 773-262-2543
Intakes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm, (312) 408 — 1210
Has a legal advocate that can help you get an Order of Protection and a free legal clinic where you can get legal questions answered.
* STRONGLY recommended by a dv survivor

Metropolitian Family Services
http://www.metrofamily.org/
1 N Dearborn St # 10, Chicago IL
Main: 312-986-4000
Emergency Hotline: 773-884-3310
Has a Legal Aid program at the same location.
312-986-4200, M – F, 9 a.m. – noon or 1 p.m. – 4 p.m
* recommended by a dv survivor

Neopolitican Lighthouse
773-278-4566
*recommended by a dv survivor

Rainbow House
773-521-1815
*NOT recommended by a dv survivor

Shalva
*NOT recommended by a dv survivor

YWCA of Metropolitian Chicago
ywcachicago.org
Hotline: 888-293-2080
*recommended by a dv survivor

LEGAL SERVICES
These are agencies that can help you obtain free legal help from a lawyer, including help getting a divorce if you are married to the abuser. There may be eligibility restrictions based on income, the presence of children, and if you have an existing Order of Protection. Many of these agencies experienced budget cuts in 2011, and so it may take time and many phonecalls to find a place that can take your case.

CARPLS
www.carpls.org/
17 N State St # 1850 Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 738-9200
9am – 4:30pm, Wed 9am – 7:30pm
* recommended by a dv survivor

Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
www.cvls.org/
100 North La Salle Street Chicago, IL 60602
312-332-1624
* was recommended by another legal aid agency

Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitian Chicago
lafchicago.org
111 W. Jackson Blvd., 3rd Fl, 60604
312-341-1070, M-F 8-4pm
800-824-4050
*recommended by a dv survivor

Lifespan Center for Legal Services
http://life-span.org/
20 E. Jackson, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60604
312-408-1210
Phone intakes on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:30am and 11am.
This consists of a phone interview to determine eligibility and they only take the first 12 callers. The intake will take about an hour. Help is free to those living below the poverty line.
* recommended by a dv survivor

DHS Offices Closing/Consolidating

Effective June 25, 2012: The Wicker Park office is being closed and clients are being moved to the Humboldt Park office.

Effective ???: The Uptown office is being closed and clients are being moved to the Skokie office.

Humboldt Park DHS
2753 W. North Ave
773-292-7200

Free and Reduced Fare RTA Pass (Includes Psychiatric)

See: http://www.rtachicago.com/fare-programs/reduced-fare-program.html

Applying for a Reduced Fare RTA Pass

The process of getting a reduced fare RTA pass can be time consuming but relatively simple.

To get the pass, you have to get the application from downtown. The location is RTA’s Customer Service Center at 165 N. Jefferson in Chicago. Their hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

If you are affiliated with a social service they might already have some in their office for their clients or can help you get one. You will need to ask though.

Once you have the application, you fill it out and have your doctor write a brief letter about your condition and/or diagnosis. Psychiatric conditions do appear to be covered.

There does not appear to be an income or resources limit.

With the filled out form and a copy of your state ID, you then need to get a photo ID. You can get this done at multiple places, including having a passport photo taken. See http://www.rtachicago.com/CMS400Min/uploadedFiles/Sr_Registration_Centers.pdf for a list of locations to get your photo taken and drop off your application.

For example, at the Levy Center on Aging in Lincoln Square, you get your photo taken on a digital camera (so it was a color photo) and pay the person $1. They then submit you application and ask you to wait 4-6 weeks to receive your card.

Using the Card

One you have your card, you can load money onto the card and pay a reduced fare on the CTA. It’s 85 cents for a ride and 15 cents to transfer. Second transfers are free.

You can also use it on the Metra and PACE because it is part of RTA. However, they have different rates.

Monthly Reduced Fare CTA Passes

In addition, you can also purchase a separate reduced fare pass. Unfortunately, the only reduced passes are monthly passes, which are $35. There are no reduced passes for day, week, etc. To get this pass, you can get it where CTA passes are sold or purchase it online. To buy it online, visit http://faremedia.chicago-card.com/store/main.aspx?DepartmentId=34

When using the monthly pass, you first insert your monthly pass into the machine then your photo ID reduced fare pass. You have to keep your reduced fare pass on you even if you are using the monthly pass. If you accidentally insert your photo ID reduced fare pass first you will get charged and the money is unlikely to be refunded.

The Free Transit Card

There is also a People With Disabilities Ride Free program. This can be extremely difficult to get because you first need to be awarded Social Security Disability, then successfully enroll in Circuit Breaker, which does have income and assets guidelines, and then you are eligible for the free card. Once you have the free card, you can ride for free on CTA buses and trains, Metra, and PACE. You’ll have to reapply for Circuit Breaker once a year.