CHICAGO – Protecting vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) joins the Illinois Department of Human Services in announcing a $1.2 million plan to increase the capacity of its current statewide network of services for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors.

“Escaping a dangerous and frightening situation at home is never easy, and our current circumstances make it even harder,” Lightford said. “It is so important that Governor Pritzker and IDHS are expanding services to make sure there is a safety net for survivors.”

The plan expands the role of the Domestic Violence Helpline by creating a one-stop access point for shelter needs. Survivors may call the Helpline directly at 1-877-TO END DV (1-877-863-6338 voice or 1-877-863-6339 TTY) and be connected to shelter through existing Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention shelter services or to emergency shelter through available hotels and motels. Survivors may also contact their local domestic violence programs for shelter assistance.

DVPI providers will also 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.

Furthermore, IDHS is working with the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence to establish an emergency fund to support local providers with assistance needs related to COVID-19.

IDHS will also 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.