Resilience Remote Services

Trauma Therapy and Crisis Intervention
We understand the many ways survivors and their families need immediate support during this time. In order to ensure that we are doing all we can to be available for those in need, we are offering one-time appointments with our trauma therapists remotely.  To be contacted by a therapist within 48-business hours to schedule or confirm an appointment please fill out this form. Trauma therapy is available in English and Spanish.

We also remain available for long term trauma therapy related to sexual violence. If you are interested in speaking with a therapist our trauma therapy services to survivors is now available by telephone and video conferencing. To be added to the trauma therapy wait list please call us at 312-443-9603 or contact us here.

Medical Advocacy
You have options for medical care. This includes evidence collection; preventative treatment for STIs, HIV, and pregnancy; and treatment for injuries. Click here to learn about our 24-hour telephone advocacy to survivors in our partner hospitals or to learn how to access medical care without visiting a hospital. Advocacy services are available in English and Spanish.

Legal Advocacy
Survivors have a variety of legal options available to them after a sexual assault.  Whether you need information and assistance regarding reporting to law enforcement, navigating your personal safety or how sexual assault has impacted your status as an employee, student or immigrant we are here to help. Legal advocacy services are available remotely by contacting 312-443-9603 or contact us here. Advocacy services are available in English and Spanish.

For information on legal options available to you, please click here.

For information about a Civil No Contact Order (an enforceable court order that prohibits further contact by the person who harmed you), visit our YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nncxNJnVK0U&feature=youtu.be.

Self-Care and Mental Health Resources

Living through the current COVID-19 pandemic can be uniquely challenging for survivors and their loved ones. You may not have access to the same spaces and opportunities for self-care that are normally available. We encourage you to be gentle with yourself and continue to practice self-care.

 

Other Resources

Click here to read a summary of benefits from the National Immigrant Justice Center.

Paid Sick Leave

Unemployment Benefits

Financial Assistance

Economic Stimulus Payments

The State of Illinois has negotiated with financial institutions to cash economic stimulus payment checks with no fees for individuals who do not have a bank account. Participating banks include:

  • JPMorgan Chase
  • Wells Fargo
  • Fifth Third
  • First Midwest
  • U.S. Bank

Click here to read more and contact ChristopherSlaby@illinois.gov if you have questions.

Hotlines and Helplines

  • Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline: 888-293-2080
  • Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline: 877-863-6338
  • National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Chicago Helpline: 833-626-4244
  • Chicago Children’s Center for Behavorial Health: 312-491-5055

Info Sheets and Guides

Resources for Families

  • COVID-19 Resources Curated By Resilience, including general resources about COVID; youth activities on consent, boundaries, and processing feelings; and informational materials on racism, police violence, and activism

Housing

Utilities

ComEd has launched a new program to give ComEd customers additional bill assistance during the pandemic. Call 1-800-334-7661 to reach ComEd and talk to a representative.  More information:  English / Spanish

Food Assistance

  • CPS Grab-and-Go Meal Sites
  • The State of Illinois is issuing all CPS students their own Pandemic EBT link card with up to $350 for its free lunch program. The parent is the applicant and the student is the recipient. This card will be loaded monthly until CPS resumes its regular in-house teaching schedule, after emergency Shelter-In-Place restrictions. Click here to apply by August 31, 2020.
  • Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) SNAP Benefits (English)

Remote Learning

Contraceptives and Birth Control

  • Juno4Me is offering all contraceptive options and emergency birth control at select provider locations at no cost

How COVID-19 Is Affecting Survivors of Sexual Violence

Resilience recognizes that sexual violence does not stop during a pandemic and that social distancing and self-isolating are not equally safe practices for all people, especially survivors of sexual violence. As the COVID-19 crisis intensifies existing inequities in health, wealth, and working conditions, the country is seeing more people in power target those who cannot afford basic needs such as food or rent.

Additionally, many survivors are facing increased barriers to accessing safety and healing after experiencing a sexual assault, including new fears related to seeking emergency treatment at a hospital emergency room and possibly even feelings of guilt that their trauma is not deserving of the same level of attention as COVID-19 related needs.

We want survivors to know that your healing matters, that there are people who care and want to support you, and that you have options. Survivors are never alone. Resilience is available to provide information, options, and confidential support at no cost to survivors or their loved ones.

These data briefs are meant to assist your understanding and advocacy for immigrants, LGBTQIA+, and survivors of color.

How to Support Survivors of Sexual Violence

It’s not always easy to know what to say when someone tells you they’ve been sexually assaulted, especially when they are a friend or family member. For a survivor, disclosing can be very difficult, so being supportive and non-judgmental is crucial. Listen patiently, validate their feelings, and don’t ask too many questions. Remember, there is no timetable for healing from trauma, and having the continued support of friends and family is key to the process. Avoid putting pressure on the survivor to engage in activities they aren’t ready to do yet, and encourage them to be kind to themselves during this difficult time.

Here’s a helpful way to think about how to support a survivor in your life. Remember to TALK:

  • Thank them for trusting you
  • Ask how you can help
  • Listen without judgement
  • Keep supporting

Click here to read more about how to support survivors.

How to Support Resilience

If you are able to, you can donate to support Resilience’s free programs and services for survivors of sexual violence by clicking here.