Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention Programs - IDHS 4711

Domestic Violence

Prevention and Intervention Programs

All people should be safe from harm.

We are dedicated to assisting Illinois residents to live free from domestic violence, promoting prevention and working in partnership with communities in advancing equality, dignity and respect for all.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence happens in families or close relationships when one person tries to control the other person by:

• physical abuse such as hitting, kicking, choking, burning or shoving;

• verbal abuse such as name calling, yelling, blaming, insults;

• sexual abuse such as rape or attempted rape, unwanted sexual touching, unsafe sex or refusal to use birth control;
• emotional abuse such as isolation, intimidation, possessiveness, manipulation;

• property or economic abuse such as destroying property, hurting pets, taking money.

There is No excuse for domestic violence.  It is everyone's business.

Why care about domestic violence?

• It can happen to anyone - regardless of their age, race, gender, education, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, physical ability, status or money.
• It happens most often to women.

• A woman is abused every nine seconds in this country.

• A child who grows up in a violent home is more likely to abuse others or to become a victim as an adult.

• Approximately one in three adolescent girls in the United States is a victim of physical, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner - a figure that far exceeds victimization rates for other types of violence affecting youth.

• The cost of domestic violence exceeds $5.8 billion each year, $4.1 billion of which is for direct medical and mental health service.

• It is a crime.

What kind of help is available?

Services

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) funds multi-service domestic violence programs throughout the state. The state-funded programs provide:

• 24-hour crisis hotline to provide support, information and referral;

• counseling and advocacy;

• help in seeking legal remedies such as orders of protection and court advocacy;

• children's services;

• shelter.

There is no charge for domestic violence victim services.

Help is completely confidential.

To locate a domestic violence provider call:

Illinois Domestic Violence Help Line

1-877-TO-END DV (1-877-863-6338) Voice

1-877-863-6339 TTY

Prevention

Community Outreach

Domestic violence programs provide prevention services such as anti-violence programs in schools, professional training to health care professionals and law enforcement and media outreach/campaigns.

Partner Abuse Intervention

IDHS also funds Partner Abuse Intervention Programs throughout the state.  The programs work to reduce and prevent domestic violence. They offer education to help abusers:

• understand the behaviors that lead to violence;
• take responsibility for their actions, and
• learn non-violent ways of communicating.

To locate a Partner Abuse Intervention Program call the Illinois Domestic Violence Help Line:

1-877-TO-END DV (1-877-863-6338) voice or 1-877-863-6339 TTY

For more information:

Call or visit your Illinois Department of Human Services office.

If you have questions about any Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)?program, call or visit your local IDHS?office. We will answer your questions. If you do not know where your local office is or if you are unable to go there, you may call the automated helpline 24 hours a day at:

1-800-843-6154

1-866-324-5553 (TTY)

You may speak to a representative between:

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  Monday - Friday (except state holidays)

For answers to your questions, you may also write:

Illinois Department of Human Services

Bureau of Customer Support and Services

100 South Grand Avenue East, 2nd Floor

Springfield, Illinois 62762

Visit our website at: www.dhs.state.il.us

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Programs, activities and employment opportunities in the Illinois Department of Human Services are open and accessible to any individual or group without regard to age, sex, race, sexual orientation, disability, ethnic origin or religion. The department is an equal opportunity employer and practices affirmative action and reasonable accommodation programs.

DHS 4711 (R-05-15)  Domestic Violence & Sexual Violence Intervention  Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois.  1,000 copies P.O.# 15-1866