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Let's End domestic violence together

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Crisis Hotline

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

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Video by: CJ Johnson

Between Friends is dedicated to preventing domestic violence and ending the cycle of abuse by equipping our communities with the tools necessary for everyone to feel safe and equal in their relationships. To break the cycle of domestic violence, we offer crisis intervention and support services for survivors and their children that include a 24-hour crisis line, court advocacy, and counseling. To build a community free of abuse, we provide comprehensive prevention and education programs for youth and adults.

Survivor Services

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

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Counseling

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

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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.

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Teen Dating Violence Prevention

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

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Education & Training

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

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Safety Planning with Immigrant Survivors

Written by Between Friends’ Community and Professional Training Manager Safety planning is an important process for all survivors of domestic violence (DV). Whether a person is planning to leave an abusive relationship, or they are planning to stay in the relationship but would like to explore ways to enhance their ...
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Holiday Gift Card Drive 2024

Help brighten the lives of Between Friends’ clients this holiday season and spread some holiday cheer by donating to our Holiday Hope Gift Card Drive. By supporting our Holiday Gift Card Drive, you help Between Friends’ clients create holiday magic for their families, as well as purchase needed items like ...
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Talking with kids about healthy relationships

Written by Between Friends’ 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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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