Information: Personal Safety

Call 911 for emergencies.

The resources below may be helpful.  If you want other choices, please contact your navigator.

Assistance when not an emergency

Call 311

Dial 3-1-1 from any phone for non-emergency issues.  You can report issues, file police reports (non-emergency), or get information about city services

Call or Text 988

This is a 24/7 crisis hotline for emotional support or to get help for someone in crisis.

Community support

211 Metro Chicago

Dial 2-1-1 from any phone.  2-1-1 is a free, local, 24/7/365 service that connects all  Cook County residents to essential health and social service support and information during times of non-emergency crisis and for everyday needs.

877.863.6338 Domestic Violence Hotline, 24-Hour

Mujeres Latinas en Accion Domestic Violence Program:  Survivors and their families can access a wide range of services, including individual and group psychoeducational/psychosocial counseling, therapy, and legal advocacy.

Sarah's Inn

Services for families and victims of domestic violence.

Centro Romero

Domestic violence legal advocacy and support services.

Casa Central Violence Protection

Violence Prevention & Intervention Program provides services to children, adults, seniors and families who have been impacted by domestic violence, sexual abuse, community violence, and other traumas. 

Services are free of charge and are available in both English and Spanish. Anyone interested may contact us at 1.773.645.2462 or by email at vpi@casacentral.org

Ascend Justice

Ascend Justice provides assistance in cases involving  protective orders, family law, immigration, economic justice, and DCFS cases.  We also provide services for individuals who are currently housed at a jail or prison.

To apply for services, please call our intake line at 312-971-5932 and leave your contact information. One of our English/Spanish bilingual staff members will contact you to complete the intake process. 

Safety Tips

  • Be aware of your environment: walk in well-lit areas, avoid shortcuts through isolated spaces.
  • Trust your instincts: if a situation doesn’t feel right, leave or get help.
  • Use your phone: keep it charged and accessible; share your location with someone you trust when you’re going somewhere alone.
  • Prepare a safety plan: think ahead how you would leave a risky place, who you would call, what you would say.
  • Keep information private: personal details, travel plans, etc., should be shared only with trusted people, especially online/social media.

The information is adapted from text generated by Gemini.” Gemini, Google, 19 Nov 2025 and from OpenAI on 11/19/2025 using prompt “Help with personal safety in Chicago in plain language”.

This information provides no warranties regarding the accuracy or application of its content, disclaims responsibility for its use, and does not offer medical or legal advice. It does not endorse specific products or therapies, mandate medical care, or represent the standard of care. The information may not be continually updated, and it is not a substitute for the professional judgment of a treating provider. Provided “as is,” it makes no express or implied warranties, assumes no responsibility for any harm arising from its use, and disclaims liability for errors or omissions.