Domestic Violence Resources in Illinois

Last updated September 5, 2026

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence in Illinois, help is available right now. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) is free, confidential, and available 24/7 in multiple languages. Advocates can help you safety plan, locate local shelters, and connect you with legal options — whether or not you are ready to leave.

Illinois has a network of domestic violence service providers funded in part through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). These organizations offer emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, legal advocacy, and children's services. To find the closest provider to you, call 2-1-1 Illinois any time of day — it is free, multilingual, and connects you to local resources across the state, including in rural areas where services can be harder to find.

Leaving a violent situation often involves more than physical safety. Many survivors need help with housing, income, health insurance, and childcare. Illinois has programs to address all of these needs, and a social worker or domestic violence advocate can help you access them together. You do not have to navigate this alone.

Key programs in Illinois

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Immediate crisis support, safety planning, and referrals to local Illinois shelters and legal advocates. Available by phone, text ('START' to 88788), and online chat.

How to access: Call 1-800-799-7233 (TTY: 1-800-787-3224), available 24/7, free and confidential.

2-1-1 Illinois

Statewide helpline that connects callers to nearby domestic violence shelters, transitional housing, legal aid, financial assistance, and other social services across all 102 Illinois counties.

How to access: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone, available 24/7. You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or visit 211illinois.org to search online.

Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) — Domestic Violence Programs

IDHS funds a statewide network of domestic violence service organizations providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, legal advocacy, and economic empowerment services. IDHS also administers SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF, which survivors may be eligible for regardless of immigration status in some cases.

How to access: Visit dhs.illinois.gov or call the IDHS helpline at 1-800-843-6154 to locate funded programs near you and apply for benefits. Local IDHS Family Community Resource Centers (FCRCs) can also assist in person.

Illinois Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) — Secretary of State

Provides survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking a substitute mailing address so abusers cannot locate them through public records such as voter registration, driver's license, or school enrollment.

How to access: Apply through a certified Application Assistant, typically located at domestic violence organizations. Visit illinoisacp.com or ask your local domestic violence advocate to help you apply.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) / Continuum of Care — Emergency and Transitional Housing

Federally funded local Continuums of Care coordinate emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid rehousing for survivors experiencing homelessness due to domestic violence across Illinois.

How to access: Contact 2-1-1 Illinois to be connected to your local Continuum of Care coordinated entry system, or visit hud.gov/findshelter. Priority access for domestic violence survivors is often available.

Domestic Violence Resources resources for Illinois

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Nationwide

24/7 confidential support, safety planning, and local referrals for those affected by relationship abuse.

1-800-799-7233
Visit

StrongHearts Native Helpline

Nationwide

Culturally appropriate domestic and sexual violence support for Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

1-844-762-8483
Visit

loveisrespect

Nationwide

Support for young people to prevent and end dating abuse. Call, text (LOVEIS to 22522), or chat.

1-866-331-9474
Visit
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