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
Enlightening the Darkness 