Stay Informed and Spread Awareness

Digital tools now shape how people connect, date, work, and maintain relationships. Teens and adults rely on phones, apps, social media platforms, and messaging tools every day. Unfortunately, society’s dependence on technology makes these same tools a powerful...

Coercive control does not always look like abuse from the outside. It often unfolds quietly, through everyday rules, restrictions, and pressures that slowly shrink a person’s freedom until fear and compliance feel unavoidable. Understanding how coercive control works...

For survivors of domestic violence (DV), leaving an abusive partner is only the beginning of a long and often uncertain journey toward safety. The next step is to seek out and receive comprehensive support services so that they can begin navigating the medical,...

When people think about helping survivors of domestic violence (DV), the first image that often comes to mind is a shelter: a safe place to escape immediate harm. But for survivors, the meaning of safety extends far beyond the emergency phase. True safety involves...

When we talk about the meaning of safety, most of us think about locking our doors at night or avoiding dangerous streets. But for domestic violence survivors in cities such as Chicago, women’s safety is far more complicated — and heartbreakingly elusive. Behind...

October marks National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). It’s a time for learning about the pervasive nature of abuse, understanding myths and facts about domestic violence, standing with survivors, and championing prevention. Here’s what to know and how you...

Many people associate the holidays with sparkling lights, warm gatherings, and the cozy glow of family togetherness. It's a time we anticipate with joy (if also a measure of stress), a period marked by traditions that bring comfort and cheer. Yet for survivors of...

Partner abuse is often hidden behind closed doors, but its effects ripple through families and communities. Knowing the signs of domestic violence is critical for protecting yourself or others from harm. Keep in mind that abuse isn’t always physical; it can be...

Children who witness domestic violence at home can incur deep emotional and psychological scars, even if they are not directly harmed. Simply witnessing domestic violence can have long-lasting impacts. But with the right support, children can begin to heal and feel...

When most people hear the term post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), they often think of military veterans. While PTSD is indeed a common concern among service members, it’s important to recognize that many civilians — especially survivors of abuse, such as stalking,...

On July 3, 2023, a woman named Karina Gonzalez and her 15-year-old daughter, Daniela, were tragically shot and killed by Karina’s husband when he violated an Order of Protection meant to keep them safe. Their deaths shook Illinois and highlighted dangerous gaps in the...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Chicago, IL, April 14, 2025 – Connections for Abused Women and Their Children (CAWC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Hillary Douin, LCSW, CDVP, as its next Executive Director. A dedicated leader in the nonprofit sector with over eleven...

Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM), also known as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, is recognized every April in the United States as a time to raise public awareness about sexual violence and sexual assault prevention. Organizations, advocates, and...

When people think about a domestic violence service center, they often picture an emergency shelter that provides abuse survivors with a safe place to stay. While shelter is a crucial service, many nonprofit domestic violence advocacy groups also offer a range of...

Two years ago, in a large gymnasium bustling with youth groups, families, and organizations from across Chicago, CAWC met an astonishing young woman commanding the room with her music and dreaming of changing the world. The young woman was Ijeoma Conley, and that day,...

Every March marks Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on the progress made toward gender equality and honor the women whose contributions have shaped it. Connecting this observance with Black History Month allows us to appreciate the vital role Black communities,...

Each February, Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month serves as an important reminder to recognize the signs of unhealthy or abusive relationships among adolescents. Awareness of these signs can help teens identify when a relationship is becoming harmful and seek the...

Homelessness is a pervasive problem that impacts individuals across all demographics. One frequently overlooked aspect of this issue is the correlation between intimate partner violence and homelessness and the challenges it presents, especially during the winter...