Between Friends

Counseling and advocacy consists of the following services:crisis line: 24-hour access, toll-free domestic violence hotline (1-800-603-help) is a primary point of access for individuals seeking help. Trained volunteers and employees provide callers with safety planning, connections to Between Friends' services and other community resources, and emotional support.counseling and support services:a clinical team of masters-level coumselors provide evidenced-based counseling and trauma-informed support services, child-parent psychotherapy (cpp), economic empowerment education, engagement in pro-social activities and childcare.court advocacy: english and spanish-speaking advocates serve victims in the chicago and rolling meadows courthouses, explaining legal rights under the Illinois domestic violence act, court accompaniment, assisting in seeking orders of protection, as well as providing emotional support, resources, and safety planning.

Community education:staff members conduct domestic violence presentations and trainings, including the 40-hour domestic violence training, that is required to become an Illinois certified domestic violence professional, with area human service providers, law enforcement and criminal justice officials, educators, clergy, businesspeople, and other members of the community. This training includes the healthcare education program designed to improve the healthcare system's response to survivors of domestic violence.

Youth education:relationship education:a choice for hope (reach) program that engages middle and high-school aged students and the adults in their lives (teachers, caregivers, school administrators and social service providers) to promote healthy relationships and the eradication of abusive ones. The evidence-informed approach includes teen dating violence prevention educational and interactive workshops and discussions for youth and adults, youth peer leadership opportunities and capacity building for schools and community organizations.