Victim Services
We Provide Victim Services
Counseling Services
The Crisis Center for South Suburbia offers Counseling Services to individuals who have been impacted by Domestic Violence FREE OF CHARGE. The staff is comprised of Masters-Level Therapists who are licensed in the State of Illinois in the field of counseling. Each year, the counselors provide over 2,000 hours of counseling to over 300 adults and children.
In a safe and secure location, individuals who are experiencing domestic violence arrive at the center broken, hurting and confused. In a non-judgmental environment, our clients come to process their feelings, discuss the abuse that they have been exposed to, as well as explore their options. A safety plan will be created and a service plan will be established. The client will move through the counseling process at their own pace.
If you are interested in counseling services, please call (708) 429-SAFE (7233) and complete an Intake Assessment with our staff. All services offered through the Counseling Department are CONFIDENTIAL.
Court Advocacy Services
Forms of abuse that are against the law
- Physical Abuse such as pushing, shoving, spitting at or biting you, slapping, punching, kicking or strangling you or hurting you with a weapon.
- Emotional Abuse such as assault, aggravated assault (threatening you with a weapon), harassment through phone calls and texting, stalking, interfering from dialing 911 to obtain emergency assistance.
- Sexual Abuse
Know your options and rights
If you experience domestic violence:
- Report the incident to the police. If a criminal offense was committed, sign complaints.
- Obtain an order of protection. You can obtain an order of protection in civil or criminal court to increase your level of safety.
- Provide a copy of the order of protection to your local police department.
- Contact our 24-hour hotline for emergency shelter and/or referrals, or to make an appointment with a counselor for safety planning, education on domestic violence and emotional support.
- Contact a domestic violence advocate to provide support, act a liaison between you and the prosecutor and provide legal referrals.
- Inform your relatives and friends of your situation.
- Inquire about additional legal remedies available for victims of domestic violence.
