Mission Statement

The purpose of this website is to support survivors and their advocates in identifying survivor rights and survivor-relevant policies that specify supports available in the aftermath of violent harm. The website is not a resource list. Over the last decade, especially during COVID, there were considerable fluctuations in the availability of social services. Survivors are often let down and frustrated by being referred to programs and agencies that no longer exist, or that no longer provide a specific service. The rights of survivors, however, are less susceptible to such dramatic change. The information provided can also serve as an advocacy guide: all survivors of violence deserve safety, protection, healing, and support. A survivor of violence should be able to have these basic needs met within their community regardless of their race, gender, age, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, sexual identity, or national origin.

An Illinois Policy Guide for Survivors and Their Advocates

Get the help you need...

Review Your Rights

As a survivor of violence in Illinois, these are your rights on both a state and federal level.

What Do You Need?

As a survivor of violence in Illinois, you may be eligible for support with financial needs, housing, medical costs, mental health services, funeral or burial costs, relocation costs, and more. Based on what happened to you, you may be eligible for different services and supports. Click here to see which policies can provide access to these supports.

Eligibility and Access

Policies outlining rights and services afforded to crime victims often involve definitions of who is considered a victim and what they must do to access services. Read through this section to better understand how to navigate policies intended to support survivors.

Illinois Policies

Here you can find a complete listing of Illinois policies related to services or supports available to crime victims. Each of these policies that enables access to services has eligibility requirements. Please use the hyperlinks available to review the eligibility requirements.
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