A Safer City

Chicago-Area Groups Work to Support, Aid Domestic Violence Survivors Amid Surge

Incidents of domestic violence surged by more than 30% across the country when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit.

The sharp increase has not only highlighted the need for better legal protection and laws for survivors, but also the need for creating an improved network of care in cases of abuse. 

Dozens of organizations in Chicago are working to address those needs, while getting to the root causes of domestic abuse.

As part of our WTTW News: A Safer City series, Sheerine Alemzadeh of Healing to Action; Stephanie Love-Patterson of Connections for Abused Women and their Children; Rebecca Weininger, director of domestic violence law practice at North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic; and Danielle Ruffatto of the Family Law & Protective Orders Division at Ascend Justice joined “Chicago Tonight” to discuss warning signs and resources available to survivors.

If you or someone you know needs help, you can call Illinois’ Domestic Violence Helpline at 1-877-863-6338.

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