On Thursday, April 2, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) announced it is launching a $1.2 million plan to increase the capacity of its current statewide network of services for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
“While most Illinoisans are adhering to the Stay at Home order, not everyone has a safe home to go to. If you are experiencing domestic violence or live in fear of it, I know how much scarier or complicated the message of ‘Stay Home’ might sound,” Pritzker said.
He urged victims to call the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-877-863-6338 voice or 1-877-863-6339 TTY for help.
“During times of crisis, there may be an increase in domestic and sexual violence, while barriers to services are compounded,” said IDHS Secretary Grace B. Hou. “The health and safety of survivors during COVID-19 is of the utmost importance to IDHS.”
The plan expands the role of the Domestic Violence Helpline by creating a one-stop access point for shelter needs.
IDHS is also working with the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence to establish an emergency fund to support local providers with assistance needs related to COVID-19.
In addition, DVPI providers will receive a three-month advance of their current grant to support continuations of services and respond to the needs of domestic violence survivors, such as hotels, emergency supplies, transportation, food, technology supports and other related services.
IDHS will provide the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault with a grant advance to enhance the capacity of local rape crisis centers statewide to aid sexual assault survivors. The agency also will advance grant funds to Partner Abuse Intervention Program grantees for programs costs related to COVID-19. More information about COVID-19 is available at www.CoronaVirus.Illinois.Gov.