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Victim Services

The Office of Victim Services is dedicated to supporting and assisting victims and survivors of crime with the utmost respect, dignity, and care. We are committed to reducing violence, enhancing departmental policies, and strengthening the Chicago Police Department’s response to victims. Our team serves as a vital bridge between the community and law enforcement, providing advocacy, guidance, and information on victims’ rights. Through compassionate engagement, we work to empower survivors, minimize trauma, and uphold the highest standards of victim-centered support, ensuring privacy and trust throughout the healing journey.

The Chicago Police Department’s Office of Victim Services provides citywide supportive services to victims and survivors of:

  • Non-fatal gun crimes
  • Domestic Violence
  • Gender-based violence

Our Victim Specialists are non-police, civilian specialists who help create a connection between CPD and the community as a whole. All services are trauma-informed to help minimize the widespread impact of trauma and assist those impacted by a violent crime to help toward their path to healing and recovery.

All services are FREE, and a police report is NOT required to receive services.

Our Services

To PROVIDE:

  • Advocacy – Victim Specialists will advocate on behalf of victims and survivors with the police and justice system, including the Detective Division, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, family/criminal courts, parole, probation, AVN systems, and others.
  • Referrals – Victim Specialists help victims and survivors get connected to community-based resources and wrap-around services that help promote long-term healing and wellbeing.
  • Crisis Support – Our team provides immediate, short-term assistance to individuals facing distressing or traumatic events, helping them regain a sense of stability, safety, and support during critical moments.

To PREPARE:

  • Safety Planning – Our team can provide safety planning for victims and survivors to help them navigate their situations.
  • Justice System Process – The Justice System can be challenging to navigate. Victim Specialists will help victims and survivors understand and prepare for this process and feel comfortable as their cases move forward.

Domestic Violence

The Chicago Police Department is dedicated to protecting and supporting victims and survivors of domestic violence through a comprehensive and survivor-centered response. Recognizing that domestic violence impacts individuals, families, and entire communities, CPD works to ensure victims and survivors receive immediate safety, compassionate support, and access to critical resources. Through specialized training, coordinated partnerships, and dedicated victim services, CPD is committed to holding offenders accountable while empowering survivors with the tools and assistance they need to begin healing and rebuilding their lives.

Click here to learn more about Domestic Violence

Contact Us

Victim Specialists work in various locations throughout the City, including at several CPD District Stations.

To connect with someone from the Office of Victim Services, please reach out to us at:

VictimServices@chicagopolice.org

Or call us during regular business hours, Monday thru Friday (excluding major holidays), from 8am – 4pm

(312) 745-6340

If you are a victim of a crime, we suggest you do the following:

  • Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger.
  • Take steps to make yourself and your family members safe from the suspect.
  • Seek medical assistance if you have been assaulted or injured
  • Notify someone you trust of your situation and location should you move from your existing residence.
  • Seek the assistance of victim services to help start the recovery process and better understand your rights as a victim and the resources and support available.

Illinois Crime Victim’s Bill of Rights

  • The right to be treated with fairness and respect for their dignity and privacy and to be free from harassment, intimidation and abuse throughout the criminal justice process.
  • The right to a notice and to a hearing before a court ruling on a request for access to any of the victim’s records, information or communications which are privileged or confidential by law.
  • The right to a timely notification of all court proceedings.
  • The right to communicate with the prosecution.
  • The right to be heard at any post-arraignment court proceedings in which the right of a victim is at issue and any court proceeding involving a post-arraignment release decision, plea or sentencing.
  • The right to be notified of the conviction, the sentence, the imprisonment and the release of the accused.
  • The right to a timely disposition of the case following the arrest of the accused.
  • The right to be reasonably protected from the accused throughout the criminal justice process.
  • The right to have safety of the victim and the victim’s family considered in denying or fixing the amount of bail, determining whether to release the defendant and setting conditions of release after arrest and conviction.
  • The right to be present at the trial and all other court proceedings on the same basis as the accused, unless the victim is to testify and the court determines that the victim’s testimony would be materially affected if the victim hears other testimony at the trial.
  • The right to have present at all court proceedings, subject to the rules of evidence, an advocate and other support person of the victim’s choice.
  • The right to restitution.

Crime Victim Compensation

Violent crimes can have a profound and unexpected impact on victims’ lives. In response, the Illinois Office of the Attorney General established the Crime Victims Compensation Act, ensuring dedicated resources are available to support individuals whose lives have been disrupted by violent crime.

This financial assistance could include offsetting costs related to:

  • Accessibility and Usability of Property
  • Crime-Scene Clean Up
  • Funeral/Burial Expenses
  • Loss of Earnings
  • Medical, Hospital and Dental Expenses
  • Mental Health Counseling Expenses
  • Relocation Costs
  • Replacement Costs
  • Tuition Expenses

For more information about Crime Victim Compensation, please call the Office of the Attorney General’s toll-free Crime Victims Assistance Line at 800-228-3368, or visit their website by clicking here.