Our Domestic Violence Services
Counseling
Individual and group domestic violence counseling sessions with trained professionals​
IRC provides individual and group counseling to survivors and children. Domestic violence survivors are at a high risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, or stress-related mental health conditions. Learning to cope with residual emotional pain and fears is essential to healing.
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Counseling can help survivors move forward in their quest to heal from the abuse. Individual counseling provides a safe and confidential environment for survivors. Group counseling allows survivors to connect with others in a similar situation. Domestic Violence Awareness Both physical and emotional abuse can have deep psychological impacts that last for years without counseling. Not all scars are visible.​
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Court Advocacy
Protect yourself by knowing your rights. Our court advocates fight for you.
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One aspect of domestic violence is a sense of hopelessness and a feeling that the system is stacked against you. It doesn’t have to be. We help survivors use the legal tools available to escape their abuser, establish their rights, and take back control of their lives.
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Legal advocates assist domestic violence survivors with obtaining immediate and long-term legal protection. They provide education about the legal system, support during the legal processes, and extensive safety planning.
Did you know?
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There are numerous ways to legally protect yourself, including filing for Emergency Protection Orders, Protection Orders, and Restraining Orders.
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Education & Training
​Training hospitals, schools, and more about how to spot and stop abuse
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Everyone needs to be involved to help prevent domestic abuse. Too often, signs of abuse are overlooked because overworked healthcare and educational professionals aren’t trained in reading them. That can change.
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IRC provides education and training to healthcare and other community professionals. Training goals include increasing awareness about domestic violence and the resources available to support comprehensive service delivery to survivors and their children.
Please contact us for more information about scheduling an educational or training opportunity.
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Domestic Violence Awareness
The scope of domestic violence means we can all be first responders if we have the right education.
Police Relations
We work with the police to protect you and your rights
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Police are on the front lines of domestic abuse, and can be great allies in prevention and in helping victims find safety. It is vital to our mission to work with the police in education, awareness, and in knowledge of our services. All forms of domestic violence and abuse are crimes. You can report and be protected from emotional, financial, and sexual abuse.
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IRC staff collaborate and work effectively with the police to protect the rights of domestic violence survivors and their children. This partnership between IRC and law enforcement will lead to better services for survivors.
Did you know?
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IRC partners with the Chicago Police Department’s 15th District to provide a direct response for domestic violence victims. Through this program, victims of domestic violence in the 14th District have the option to be connected to trained advocates and linked to supportive services, including housing, shelters, food, medical and legal.