Domestic Violence Services

24-hour Hotline:

815-962-6102

Remedies Renewing Lives provides access to safety, support, and resources 24 hours a day, 365 days a year via the hotline.  Trained advocates provide one-on-one support, crisis intervention, advocacy, assistance with safety planning, and information about options, legal rights, and local resources.

A person does not need to be in immediate danger or crisis to call.  Advocates can answer questions and provide support and assistance to survivors, as well as to concerned friends,  family members, and service providers.

Advocates will not require survivors take any specific actions, including filing for divorce or obtaining an order of protection.

Bilingual support can be accessed through the Language Line or when available, Remedies’ bilingual staff.

Emergency Shelter

Emergency shelter is provided for survivors of intimate partner violence who need temporary shelter to be safe.  Although not required, individual advocacy, support groups, referrals, and other supportive services are offered and encouraged for adults and children who reside in shelter.   Staff supports the autonomy of each survivor and encourages survivors to make choices that feel best for them in their situation.

Meals are provided in shelter, as well as laundry facilities, many personal care items, and other donations and supplies as available. 

If a survivor is hesitant to flee to shelter because of concern for a pet that would be left behind, Remedies staff will attempt to assist that individual with finding a local animal clinic or facility to temporarily board the pet.

Legal Advocacy

Trained legal advocates can assist survivors in Winnebago and Boone County with completing the paperwork necessary to obtain Orders of Protection and assist survivors as they navigate the legal system.

Legal Advocates can explain the court process, assist with completing the Order of Protection forms, accompany survivors to court for the Order of Protection hearings, assist with extensive safety planning, provide referrals, and assist survivors with accessing other legal options.  Legal Advocates can also assist survivors via phone, to navigate the 17th Judicial Circuit Court’s remote order of protection option, should the survivor choose that option.

For legal advocacy assistance in Winnebago County, contact Remedies Renewing Lives staff at the Domestic Violence Assistance Center (located within the Winnebago County Courthouse) at 815-516-2440.

For assistance in Boone County, contact Remedies Renewing Lives staff at our Boone County office at 815-544-1866.

Domestic Violence Counseling

Advocacy-based domestic violence counseling is available to all survivors of intimate partner violence, whether they choose to utilize shelter or not.  Therapeutic counseling is also available for all survivors.  These services are provided by appointment.

Domestic Violence Advocates and Counselors take a survivor-centered, empowerment-based approach.  Staff will not tell survivors that they have to leave their relationship, get an order of protection, or file for divorce.  We believe that each survivor knows their situation best including their safety risks.  We understand that attempting to leave or distance oneself from an abusive partner takes a lot of planning and support, and that leaving can greatly increase the risk of danger for survivors.

Counselors can help survivors process emotions and provide support in their healing process.

Advocates provide emotional support, domestic violence education, assistance with safety planning, and advocacy.

Support/Educational Groups

A variety of support groups and domestic violence educational groups are offered, at multiple locations.

Services for Children and Teens

Age-appropriate services are provided on both a one-on-one and group basis for children and teens.  Services are available for children and adolescents/teens who have witnessed domestic violence with a parent or guardian, as well as survivors of teen dating violence.

Transitional Housing

Remedies Renewing Lives operates multiple units of transitional housing.  Survivors are able to reside in a transitional housing unit for up to two years and are offered domestic violence advocacy services during that time.  Although space is limited, interested survivors are encouraged to contact Remedies Renewing Lives and connect with Transitional Housing Advocacy staff to obtain more information about the program to help determine if this would be a good option for them.

Remedies Renewing Lives provides public education and training in the community, including for schools, colleges, businesses, organizations, health care providers, faith communities, neighborhood organizations, and other community groups and professionals.  Topics may include: dynamics of domestic violence, safety planning, warning signs of abusive relationships, screening for domestic violence, how to respond to disclosure of domestic violence, Remedies Renewing Lives services, how individuals and the community can help, and other related topics.

Remedies Renewing Lives is an approved training site, as designated by the Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professionals, Inc. Board (ICDVP), to provide the Illinois 40-Hour Domestic Violence Training.

Remedies Renewing Lives is an approved training site by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide the 1-hour domestic violence continuing education training that is now required for stylists, barbers, cosmetologists, estheticians, hair braiders, and nail technicians.