The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services’ (DFSS) Division on Domestic Violence released the 2010 call volume data for the City’s Domestic Violence Help Line. According to the City of Chicago Domestic Violence Help Line Report, 29,641 calls were received in 2010, down 7 percent from 2009. Similarly, in Chicago, domestic-related calls to the Chicago Police Department were also down slightly by 1.3 percent in 2010 from 2009.

The 24-hour, multilingual, toll-free telephone service connects Illinois residents to domestic violence services including shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, legal representation, children services and abuser resources. The 2010 report states most callers were referred by law enforcement and the majority of victims experienced multiple forms of abuse. The highest volume of victim service calls took place during the months of August and September. The report also states that victim service callers identified their abuser as either an intimate partner (90 percent of calls) or a household member (10 percent of calls). To view the report in its entirety, visit: www.cityofchicago.org/domesticviolence. For confidential domestic violence information and support, call the City of Chicago Domestic Violence Help Line at 1-877-TO-END-DV or 1-877-863-6338 and TTY 1-877-863-6339.