City help guide
Domestic Violence Help in Chicago, IL
Free, confidential help in Chicago — a local 24/7 hotline, where to file for an order of protection in Cook County, free legal help, and shelters and programs near you.
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Get help now in Illinois
Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence
The statewide crisis line listed by the National Hotline for Illinois.
Visit the coalition’s website — local programs, shelters, and advocates across Illinois.
National Domestic Violence Hotline — free, confidential, 24/7:
Call 1-800-799-7233 Text “START” to 88788 thehotline.org
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If this device may be monitored, use a phone or computer your abuser has never had access to — a library, a friend, a work device.
Help in Chicago
Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC)
CAWC’s 24-hour domestic violence hotline for Chicago. CAWC is a member of the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence. cawc.org
File for protection in Cook County
Circuit Court of Cook County — Domestic Violence Court
555 West Harrison, Chicago, IL 60607-4313
File for an order of protection with the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County at the Domestic Violence Court. Open Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
Domestic violence resources (Clerk of the Circuit Court)
Free legal help in Chicago
Legal Aid Chicago — Free civil legal services for people living in poverty in Cook County. All clients are screened for eligibility by phone through the Client Screening Unit at (312) 341-1070. legalaidchicago.org
Local 2-1-1 — 211 Metro Chicago
211 Metro Chicago — Operated by United Way of Metro Chicago, in partnership with the City of Chicago and Cook County, serving Cook County. Dial 2-1-1 — free and confidential. 211metrochicago.org
Shelters and programs near Chicago
Shelters don’t publish their street addresses — for good reason. As of November 6, 2026, DomesticShelters.org lists 14 domestic violence shelters and programs in Chicago, IL — 9 offering a hotline and 7 offering emergency shelter — plus 45 more programs nearby. Search there for filters like 24/7 hotlines, emergency shelter, pets, language, and accessibility.
More on the Illinois page
Protective-order steps, address confidentiality options, and the state coalition are covered on the Illinois help page. For planning ahead, read the safety plan and go-bag checklist and the phone, tech, and privacy safety checklist on the main page.
Last verified: November 6, 2026