Leave this site safely by clicking the Safety Exit button. Remember to regularly clear your browser history to view this site safely.

Let's End domestic violence together

24/7 Helpline Icon

Crisis Hotline

For immediate assistance, call our 24 hour crisis hotline at 1-800-603-4357.

Survivor Services

Between Friends provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals and families in crisis.

Graphic if two people talking

Counseling

Our free counseling helps survivors of domestic violence find safety and healing.

Court Advocacy Icon

Court Advocacy

We’ll explain your legal rights and options, assist with paperwork, and accompany you to court.

Prevention & Education

As part of the movement to end domestic violence, we educate a wide range of communities.

Teen Dating Awareness Icon

Teen Dating Violence Prevention

Relationship Education: A Choice for Hope (REACH) teaches young people about healthy relationships.

Education & Training Icon

Education & Training

In hospitals, schools, and other spaces, we inform communities about domestic violence.

Learn

Talking with kids about healthy relationships

Written by: Susan P (Community and Professional Training Manager) Talking with the young people and children in your life about healthy relationships, dating, sex, boundaries, consent, and their bodies can be intimidating and can feel uncomfortable or even controversial. Many of us fear that if we mention sex, we might ...
Read More →
Safe Homes Act

Safe Homes Act

Have you heard of the Safe Homes Act?    It is an Illinois Law that helps survivors stay safe where they live.  If you or someone who you live with is experiencing domestic violence and you fear that you are not safe where you live, you can end your lease early ...
Read More →

VESSA: Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act

Have you heard of VESSA?  Most people have not heard of this law, but it provides important on-the-job safety protections for survivors of domestic or sexual violence. VESSA stands for “Victim Economic Security and Safety Act”. It is an Illinois law passed in 2003 and amended and strengthened over the ...
Read More →

What is Court Advocacy?

At Between Friends, our programs focus on survivors’ needs, empowerment, and self-determination. As part of the healing process, our goal is to provide information and support to clients so that they can make their own choices for themselves and their families in order to keep themselves safe. We regularly tell ...
Read More →

The Neurobiology of Trauma

May is Trauma Awareness Month! In our work with survivors and community members, we have learned the significance of understanding what happens in our brains and bodies when we experience something traumatic. We have witnessed how understanding this process can clear pathways for survivors to heal and deepen their self-compassion. ...
Read More →

Child Abuse Awareness Month

Did you know that April is Child Abuse Awareness Month? This is a time to reflect on how harm in our relationships may directly and indirectly impact our kids. It is no surprise that domestic violence does impact them in many profound ways. There is a lot of information establishing ...
Read More →

Join Our Mailing List

Get updates on events, volunteer opportunities, and other ways to get involved.

How Can We Help