WINGS Responds to New Data Showing Increase in Need for Domestic Violence Shelters

The Network Advocating Against Domestic Violence, who oversees the Illinois statewide domestic violence hotline, has released new numbers from their 2023 report showing a significant increase in requests for domestic violence shelters.

The Data

The report shared:

• In 2023, 5,883 contacts to the Illinois Hotline were in need of domestic violence shelters in Chicago, representing a 43% increase over 2022.

• Statewide there were 23,855 contacts for domestic violence shelters, a 45% increase over the previous year.

• For a third of the year, 124 days, there were no beds or cribs available in Chicago domestic violence shelters.
  • This represents a 29% increase over 2022

“There are just not enough beds in the entire state,” WINGS President and CEO Rebecca Darr commented to the Chicago Sun Times.

WINGS, the largest provider of domestic violence services in Illinois, operates two Safe Houses for survivors fleeing domestic violence: one in the northwest suburbs and one in the city of Chicago.

Speaking to ABC News Chicago, Rebecca Darr, shares, “When someone is fleeing domestic violence, that is the most dangerous time for them. [A time] when they are most likely going to be hurt or killed, because the abuser is losing control over them…I think people are realizing that if they are with someone who is threatening to kill them, that threat is real.”

Solutions

“My dream is to build a Survivorship Center that would have emergency housing, recuperative housing for those discharged from the hospital, and tiny homes to increase our supply of Transitional Housing. If we had $20-$25 million, we could make this solution a reality,” Rebecca Darr says.

In the meantime, there are ways people can make a difference:

• Donate funds to WINGS existing Safe Houses and Counseling programs
• Advocate for more housing units or programs which can help move people out of emergency shelters more quickly

If You are a Survivor in Need of Services:

If you are in an abusive relationship, WINGS can help.

WINGS holistic approach ranges from emergency Safe Houses, Transitional Housing, Community-Based Services including mentorship, hospital partnerships, and comprehensive children’s services. Click here to learn more.

Statewide Illinois Domestic Violence 24-Hr Hotline: 847.221.5680

To learn more about Counseling and/or Mentoring, call WINGS Intake Line: (847) 519-7828. The Intake Line is answered by trained crisis workers. Please leave a message and a worker will return your call within 24-48 hours.