The Network - Advocating Against Domestic Violence

Description

The Network performs its work in four focus areas:

1. First response: The Network runs Illinois’ Official Statewide 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline(877-863-6338) and serves as first responder for tens of thousands of Illinois residents each year. In FY 2021, the hotline responded to over 32,000 calls & texts for help and information. The Hotline also provided 442 safe rides to survivors for immediate travel to emergency shelters.
2. Advocacy & Public Policy: The Network pursues an advocacy/policy agenda on behalf of victims and service providers. This Program works to change laws and regulations and presses for systems dealing with domestic violence to do so in ways that maximize the prevention of, and ultimately an end to, abuse. In FY21, we worked diligently in strengthening our Policy & Advocacy Efforts to support domestic violence service providers in securing $35 million in city of Chicago budget funding for 2022 allocated for gender-based services.
3. Professional Training: The Network’s Centralized Training Institute (CTI) presents expert training for human service and healthcare providers and criminal justice personnel.
4. Member Services: The Network provides its members with a venue to work together on common policy initiatives, joint fundraising opportunities and capacity building.