Shelter Services
24 Hour Free Crisis Line
(309) 797-1777
(563) 326-9191
Services available at the shelter...
- 24-hour Crisis Line
- 24-hour Emergency Response to Hospital/Police department for Victims
- Counseling
- Medical Advocacy
- Legal Advocacy
- Housing Referrals
- Children's Programming
- Group Counseling
- Homeless Outreach Services
- Transportation Assistance
- Food and Necessary Living Supplies
- Educational Programs
- Employment Assistance/Referrals
- Safety Planning
Safety Tips if you are in a domestic violence relationship
Who is involved?
Domestic Violence occurs in all social and economic groups. Abuse is not more frequent in one class, race or religion.
Why does domestic violence occur?
Domestic Violence is about power and control over another person. Many abusers grew up witnessing abuse or were themselves abused. This does not excuse their behavior, however.
What can I do if I'm being abused?
Confide in someone. There is strength in emotional support and safety in letting someone know what is happening to you. You have the right to ask the court for help in keeping your attacker away from you, your home, and your place of work. You may also get temporary help in getting custody of your children and/or obtaining financial support for yourself and your minor children.
When help is offered...
Get the names of police officers that respond to your call
Give them names of any witnesses
Insist that they fill out a police report whether or not you wish to press charges, and even if no arrest is made and get a report number
If you need medical attention, get the names of nurses and doctors who assist you. Insist that pictures are taken of your injuries. Ask for copies of the medical reports.
You may decide that you would like help to look at your situation. The Domestic Violence Advocacy Program has trained staff to help you look at choices, not to tell you what to do.
If you decide to leave take your...
- Driver's License
- Birth Certificates (for you and your children)
- Passports
- Social Security cards (for you and your children)
- Welfare ID
- Green card
- Work permits
Financial possessions
- Bank books, bank cards and checkbooks
- Money and credit cards
Legal papers
- Divorce papers
- Custody papers
- Protective orders
- Paternity papers
- Receipts for purchased items
- Leases, rental agreements, house deed
- Car title and registration
Other items
- Children's possessions that may affect their emotional security (blankets, teddy bears, etc.)
- Medications
- Medical records for you and your children
- Address book
- Pictures and other sentimental items
