HERE’S HOW YOU CAN REACH OUT FOR HELP
Illinois domestic violence hotline
The Hotline provides crisis intervention and referrals to an emergency situation and support services to victims who are in an abusive relationship. In addition, Hotline advocates can provide information and resources to concerned family and friends.
The Hotline is confidential, available 24 hours a day, and can help you no matter what language you speak.
DATING VIOLENCE HAPPENS MORE OFTEN THAN YOU THINK
LEARN MORE ABOUT DATING VIOLENCE
Dating violence is a pattern of intentional physical and psychological abuse, threats, intimidation, isolation used by one person to exert power and control over another person. Select a card to see examples of these behavioral patterns.
and
Threats
Examples of Coercion and Threats
Makes or carries out threats to do something to hurt you
•
Threatens to leave you or commit suicide
•
Makes you drop charges
Examples of Intimidation
Makes you afraid by using looks, actions, gestures
•
Smashes things
•
Destroys personal items
•
Displays weapons
Examples of Emotional Abuse
Puts you down
•
Makes you feel bad about yourself
•
Makes you think you are crazy
Examples of Isolation
Controls what you do, who you see, who you talk to, and where you go
•
Uses jealousy to justify actions
•
Always checks your phone
Examples of Minimizing, Denying, and Blaming
Makes light of the abuse
•
Says the abuse isn’t happening
•
Blames you for the abusive behavior
why victims stay
Help Others
How to recognize dating violence
There are some signs you can look out for if you suspect a friend, coworker, or loved one is being abused. These include:
- Unexplained injuries, bruising, or other pains;
- Wearing unseasonable clothing (like long sleeves in the summer);
- Appearing withdrawn or not as social as they used to be;
- Acting fearful around their partner, or being quiet and letting their partner answer questions and speak for them;
- Symptoms of depression and trauma, like exhaustion, confusion, isolation, and panic;
- Blaming themselves for their partner’s anger or dissatisfaction;
- Minimizing or denying arguing, fighting, or abuse within the household;
- Ignoring their own mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs;
- Frequent visits to the doctor or hospital for unexplained or odd reasons;
- Missing work or social obligations more often than usual.
HOW YOU CAN HELP A VICTIM
How You Can Help a Victim
- Help victim identify their own strengths.
- Offer victim-centered resources and solutions.
- Acknowledge the violence without forcing the survivor to identify as a ‘domestic violence victim’ — follow their lead.
Supporting Victims
The most important things you can say to a victim:
- I believe you.
- It’s not your fault.
- You have options.
Where to go for help
Illinois Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline
877-863-6338If you or someone you know needs help, call, text, or chat live with the Illinois Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-877-863-6338. Trained Victim Information and Referral Advocates are available 24/7, 365 days a year to answer your questions.
The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence
www.the-network.orgThe Network is a collaborative membership organization dedicated to improving the lives of those impacted by domestic violence through education, public policy and advocacy, and the connection of community members to direct service providers.
The Hotline is funded through a collaborative funding model with the City of Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services.
