Since it's inception in 1988, The Anti-Violence Project has provided crisis counseling, information and referrals, and legal advocacy to thousands of survivors of violence and discrimination. The Center on Halsted Anti-Violence Project is a founding member of the National Coalition of ANTI-VIOLENCE PROJECTs (NCAVP), a coalition of more than 40 individual programs across the nation that document and advocate for survivors of LGBT discrimination, hate violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, police misconduct, and other forms of victimization.

AVP advocacy and counseling services are free and confidential.

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AVP: 24-Hour Crisis Line
The 24-Hour Crisis Line, (773) 871-CARE (2273), is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and is staffed by professionally trained volunteers that offer emotional and practical support to survivors of violence. To ensure consistent and sensitive response, the Crisis Line follows strict procedures. When a call is received, an operator will ask for name, nature of situation, and level of urgency. The operator will either refer the caller to the AVP during office hours, or a Crisis Line volunteer is paged in order to immediately respond to the caller. Crisis Line volunteers maintain the caller's privacy and adhere to a strict confidentiality policy. Volunteers will not leave messages on answering machines or with someone other than the primary caller. Callers unable to wait for and accept a return phone call are asked to call the Crisis Line back from a safe and private telephone. Support is available in both English and Spanish.

If you or someone you know is a survivor of LGBT discrimination, hate violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, pick-up crime or police misconduct please call the AVP 24-hour Crisis Line at (773) 871-CARE (2273). Non-emergency calls for the Anti-Violence Project should be directed to the Director of Education and Victim Advocacy at (773) 472-6469, ext. 224.

AVP: Advocacy
One of AVP's primary service components is advocacy for survivors of violence. As advocates, staff members work to ensure that survivors of violence and discrimination receive sensitive, appropriate, and timely responses from the police, courts, employers and social service providers.

AVP provides the following legal advocacy services:

• accompaniment in obtaining orders of protection
• reporting to law enforcement
• filing discrimination charges with government departments
• victim witness support during court proceedings
• assistance in filing for crime victim's compensation
• LGBT sensitive attorney referrals

AVP: Counseling
Short-term counseling for survivors of violence is provided by trained mental health providers through AVP and Center on Halsted’s Mental Health Program. AVP counseling provides support and stability during what can feel like unstable times for survivors of violence. AVP counseling can also include safety planning for those who continue to live in unsafe situations. AVP includes as “survivors” people who are victims or witnesses of recent acts of violence and their significant others, and those who are experiencing abuse in intimate partnerships or other significant relationships.

AVP: Incident Reporting
Many LGBT violent crimes go unreported due to fear of further discrimination or humiliation. AVP recognizes the barriers that a survivor of LGBT violence faces and will not pressure them to file a report or pursue legal action. If a survivor decides to pursue legal action, AVP will work with them at their comfort level, walking together through the system, every step of the way. A survivor also has the option of making an anonymous report of the incident to the AVP. This report will be used solely in the gathering of statistical documentation.

AVP: Community Education & Professional Training
AVP is committed to raising awareness about the realities of violence in the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-affected people. On a regular basis, AVP facilitates workshops, convenes community panels, and collaborates with other organizations to educate the community about violence and discrimination. In addition, AVP staff and volunteers provide training to law enforcement agencies, court personnel, rape crisis workers, domestic violence organizations, government agencies, hospitals, mental health providers, schools, and community centers about the needs of LGBTQH victims and survivors of violence. AVP training is also provided to groups and organizations who wish to educate their members regarding issues of discrimination, safety, and advocacy. This service is fee based. For further information, contact the Director of Education and Victim Advocacy at (773) 472-6469, ext. 224.

AVP: Volunteer Opportunities
If you are interested in building a safer community and taking a stand against violence, volunteer opportunities exist in several areas of Center on Halsted's Anti-Violence Project. Please contact the Director of Education and Victim Advocacy at (773) 472-6469, ext. 224 for more information.

The Anti-Violence Project is partially funded by:

Lead Corporate Sponsor