The ongoing COVID-19 crisis has impacted all our lives in unexpected and often very challenging ways. However, for some, the isolation is causing dangerous and potentially life-threatening situations. As reported by the Daily Herald on May 12, “Officials from A Safe Place, the largest domestic violence nonprofit in Lake County, reported this week that calls to its 24-hour crisis hotline have risen from an average 14 per week this time last year to about 100. And the number of clients needing emergency shelter has doubled.”
At the Deerfield Public Library, we are still working to meet the needs of our community as best we can during this unprecedented time. As a trusted source of information, we want to ensure that our patrons have the resources they need to seek help if they are ready to do so. If you or someone you know is struggling and in need of services, please consider reaching out to these organizations:
Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, or Human Trafficking:
A Safe Place
24-Hour Crisis Line: 847-249-4450 or 1-800-600-SAFE
Serves victims of domestic violence and human trafficking in Lake County. 24/7 crisis line, emergency shelter, counseling, orders of protection, court advocacy, and visitation center available.
Shalva
24-Hour Help/Crisis Line: 773-583-HOPE (4673)
Specializes in serving Jewish individuals suffering from domestic violence. 24/7 crisis line, counseling, orders of protection, and legal services available.
Lake County Catholic Charities – House of Peace
224-430-4977
Specializes in serving Latina women and children suffering from domestic violence. Shelter, legal services, individual and group services available.
Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center
24-Hour Support Line: 847-872-7799
Serves Northern Cook and Lake County. 24/7 support line, counseling, medical and legal advocacy, and referral services available.
If you would prefer not to speak over the phone, or if it is unsafe to do so, the National Domestic Violence Hotline has a live chat feature through their website, or you can text “LOVEIS” to 1-866-331-9474. In addition, the National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) has a live chat feature through its website.
Additional Resources:
Katharina Rygiel, LCSW
Deerfield Police Department Social Worker: 847-794-7511
United Way of Lake County
24-Hour Information and Referral Helpline: 2-1-1
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
HelpLine available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., ET.: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
24-Hour Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (live chat available through the website.)
