Offers services that range from crisis intervention counseling, legal, medical and/or personal advocacy, safe shelter and safety planning, transitional and emergency housing, community education and outreach. CIAC staff and volunteers will travel to meet victims in order to accommodate their needs. Advocacy is provided with landlords, schools, employers, and other professionals to secure their rights, stop eviction or utility shut off and/or safety. All services are free, voluntary, confidential and available to all without discrimination.

Medical advocates respond to the hospital when a patient is victim of sexual assault to provide emotional support, clothing, and information regarding hospital procedures. Advocates help educate the victim about their options for hospital procedures and pressing charges. The advocate serves as a liaison between the victim, the police, and ER personnel. Advocates and staff respond to hospital calls 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Legal advocates provide guidance and support for victims of sexual assault and abuse as they go through the legal system. As a victim of a violent crime in Illinois, they are entitled to advocacy services. The legal advocate also works closely with the State's Attorney's Office and is available to help with questions relating to court and provide emotional support.

Legal Advocacy Services Include:

- Attending all court appearances of the defendant

- Updating the victim on court procedures

- Accompanying the victim to court

- Obtaining a Civil No Contact Order (CNCO)

- Answer questions relating to legal procedures

- Assist victims with Crime Victim Compensation

- Assist victims with the Victim's Economic Security and Safety Act

- Assist victims with the Safe Home Act

- Provide emotional support

Hall of Justice, Room 101

The purpose of the Douglas County Domestic Violence Prosecution Unit is to provide a specialized group of trained prosecutors and support staff to aggressively prosecute Domestic Violence crimes.

The Douglas County Attorney recognizes the importance of communicating and cooperating with law enforcement and other public and private community agencies that provide services to families, victims, and perpetrators of domestic violence. A specialized Domestic Violence Prosecution Unit in coordination with other community agencies provides the best opportunity to achieve the following goals:

-- To stop the violence

-- To protect the victim from additional acts if violence committed by the Defendant

-- To protect the children or other family members from exposure to, or possible injury from domestic violence

-- To provide restitution to the victims

-- To hold the batterer accountable for their violent conduct

Services to help survivors of domestic violence, older adults, people with disabilities, and immigrant survivors of violence and trafficking:

-- Orders of Protection for people experiencing domestic violence.

-- Divorce, custody, or child support in cases involving domestic violence or child endangerment.

-- Elder abuse, including financial exploitation.

-- Other court orders to stop abuse, harassment, or stalking.

-- Immigration issues faced by survivors of domestic violence and trafficking.

-- Guardianships of minors and adults to ensure safety and stability.

Provides a variety of domestic violence services, including a 24/7 domestic violence hotline, domestic violence shelters for individuals and families, legal advocacy for domestic violence, assistance with obtaining and filing orders of protection, and domestic violence counseling services.

- Prosecutes all felony, misdemeanor and traffic crimes committed in Saline County.

- Advises and represents the County Board and the elected and appointed officials of Saline County.

- Assists those petitioning for Orders of Protection.

- Goes to court to collect unpaid child support.

Education and assistance for Medicare beneficiaries. Homestead exemptions filing assistance.

Services to help survivors of domestic violence, older adults, people with disabilities, and immigrant survivors of violence and trafficking:

-- Orders of Protection for people experiencing domestic violence.

-- Divorce, custody, or child support in cases involving domestic violence or child endangerment.

-- Elder abuse, including financial exploitation.

-- Other court orders to stop abuse, harassment, or stalking.

-- Immigration issues faced by survivors of domestic violence and trafficking.

-- Guardianships of minors and adults to ensure safety and stability.

Assists people with learning disabilities in the following ways:

- Monitors and advises the Illinois State Board of Education on issues dealing with students with learning disabilities.

- Provides advocacy information and support to parents, individuals with learning disabilities and professionals.

- Provides scholarships for post-secondary education for students with learning disabilities.

- Provides the Robert Abbott Scholarship for students who are in school to become a teacher in the field of Special Education.

- Provides and support workshops and mini-conferences for educators and parents.

- Increases public awareness of learning disabilities throughout Illinois.

- Provides scholarships for membership and workshop fees for parents of children with learning disabilities, and for adults with learning disabilities.