Support is available to help you navigate what comes next after experiencing a violent crime. You don’t have to go through this alone. Below are resources for homicide survivors and victims of gun violence in Cook County, Illinois, as well as additional state and national support services that may be helpful during this time.
If you are in crisis, please call or text 988, or go to 988lifeline.org/chat.
County/Local/State Services
Cook County Victim Witness Assistance Unit
Provides advocacy and support services to victims and witnesses involved in criminal cases that are being prosecuted by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The unit also offers the Family & Friends Network Support Group for those in Cook County who have lost a loved one to homicide, whether or not they have an active court case. Led by licensed clinical social workers and Victim Specialists, these free group sessions provide a safe space for healing.
To register, email your name and phone number to the group you wish to attend:
26th & California: 26streetsupportgroup@cookcountysao.org
Markham: markhamsupportgroup@cookcountysao.org
Near North Suburbs Virtual/In Person: northsidesupportgroup-StatesAttorney@cookcountysao.org
Para registrarse, por favor mándenos un correo electrónico con su nombre y número de teléfono a SpanishSupportGroup@cookcountysao.org
Evanston Victim Witness Advocacy Unit
Provides trauma-informed services to victims and families who experienced violent crime in Evanston.
Illinois Violence Prevention and Crime Victim Services Division
The Attorney General’s Violence Prevention and Crime Victim Services Division supports victims and families through trauma-informed, statewide programs.
Two really important services:
Crime Victim Compensation. Provides financial help to eligible victims of violent crime and their families, covering expenses like medical care, funeral costs, relocation, and lost wages. Learn more or call the Crime Victims Assistance Line at 800-228-3368.
VINE Notification System. Provides real-time updates on an offender’s custody or case status, with optional alerts by phone, email, or text. Learn more.
Visit the Attorney General’s website to learn more about crime victim rights and resources in Illinois.
Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA)
The Victims’ Economic Security & Safety Act (VESSA) is an Illinois state law that gives employees who are victims of violent crime—or who have affected family/household members—up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for related needs. It also provides reasonable workplace accommodations, up to two weeks of bereavement leave for deaths caused by violence, and protections against discrimination and retaliation when exercising these rights.
Community Organizations
Chicago Survivors
Chicago Survivors offers crisis intervention, supportive counseling, and comprehensive referral services to surviving family members of Chicago homicide victims.
Visit the website to request support, or call their free crisis hotline at 877-863-6338 to speak with someone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Chicago CRED
Chicago CRED works with community leaders, like-minded organizations, and hundreds of young men and women to radically reduce gun violence through street outreach, life coaching, and counseling, violence prevention, workforce development, advocacy and prevention.
Padres Ángeles Chicago
Padres Ángeles Chicago es una organización que promo eve paz en Chicago. Trabajan con familias en riesgo o no, dando información acerca de todos las ayudas que proveen diferentes agencias alrededor de Chicago, y trabajan conjunto con los grupos comunitarios como El Grupo Consuelo que está formado por padres que han perdido un hijo por causa de la violencia.
Go to Facebook Page / Ir a la página de Facebook
Tribute Sites
National Gun Violence Memorial
A volunteer-led memorial site to humanize the problem of gun violence by showing victims’ faces and telling their stories with contributions from thousands of visitors.
Never Forget Chicago
Never Forget Chicago is a cornerstone initiative of The Emcays Philanthropies NFP (501 c3). The project uses the act of remembrance as a tool to provide reconciliation and restorative transformation. Since 2013 Never Forget has focused on healing the hurt and battered individuals affected by violence through individualized dedications and providing a space of sanctuary, healing and community.
Visit the website to request a tribute for victims of violence in the Chicago area.
National Organizations
Crime Survivors Speak
Crime Survivors Speak is the nation’s largest network of crime survivors, building a movement for healing and lasting public safety. It advocates for policies that better support communities most affected by violence, focusing on prevention, rehabilitation, and trauma recovery. Led by survivors, the organization works to break cycles of harm and advance justice that heals.
They currently have active chapters in several states, including Illinois, which has several active groups in Chicago, Rockford, Peoria and East St. Louis.
Everytown for Gun Safety
Everytown is the largest gun violence prevention movement in America with more than 11 million mayors, teachers, survivors, gun owners, students, and everyday Americans.
The movement includes the grassroots efforts of Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action, Mayors Against Illegal Guns, and the Everytown Survivor Fellowship.
Stay Gold Movement 