History

The program was created in 1981. Mujeres had a long history in serving youth and through their stories it became evident that there was a strong link between domestic violence at home and youth delinquency (truancy, runaway, drug abuse, and gang affiliation). Breaking the taboo of addressing domestic violence issues in the community was a challenge especially at that time. Today, the Domestic Violence Program is well known nationally and internationally.

Target population

Victims of domestic violence, which includes physical, verbal, sexual and emotional abuse. The population served is predominantly mono-lingual Spanish speaking Latinas. The majority of the clients reside in the greater Chicago metropolitan area.

Services

Crisis assessment and intervention, education on the Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA) and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), 24-hour hotline, individual and group counseling, community education, civil and criminal court advocacy, 40-hour domestic violence training and certification, volunteer opportunities and referrals.

Staff composition

Eight full-time staff: Program Coordinator, counselor, community educator, volunteer supervisor (hotline), program assistant and three court advocates.

Advocacy efforts

10th and 12th Chicago Police Department Domestic Violence Subcommittees, Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women¹s Network (LGBT, Immigration, membership, legal issues and women of color committees) and the Illinois Department of Human Services Ethnicity committee.

Trends

A considerable number of the women have mental health problems (suicidal tendencies, post traumatic symptoms, depression, etc) as well as domestic violence issues. We have also seen an increased presence of child abuse and neglect in families where domestic violence occurs. There is also an increase in the number of clients that are mandated to receive services by the Department of Children and Family Services. A majority of the clients choose to obtain an order of protection at civil court rather than criminal court. There are also a growing number of clients from the western suburbs seeking services.

Sexual Assault / Women in Transition / Peace Program / Parrent Support /

Teen Reach / Latina Leadership / Child Care / SASS / Sanctuary / Mother & Daughter