Two women sitting on a curb

Courage Connection provides help to anyone experiencing domestic violence. If you or someone you love needs help, please call Courage Connection Domestic Violence HOTLINE(217) 384-4390 OR (877) 384-4390

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 as soon as possible.  

We believe that every person has the right to live in safe, healthy relationships. Courage Connection provides support to individuals and families who have experienced domestic violence. Our services include but are not limited to: shelter, legal advocacy, therapy/counseling, and housing assistance.   

All services are free and confidential. They include: 

Are you unsure if what you’re experiencing is abuse?  

If you think you or someone you love is in an abusive relationship, ask yourself these questions.  

Does your partner:  

  • Embarrass you with bad names and put-downs?  
  • Control what you do, who you see or talk to, or where you go?  
  • Stop you from seeing or talking to friends or family?  
  • Take your money or Social Security, make you ask for money, or refuse to give you money?  
  • Make all the decisions?  
  • Look at you in ways that scare you?  
  • Tell you you’re a bad parent or threaten to take away or hurt your children?  
  • Act like the abuse is no big deal? Act like it is your fault or even deny doing it?  
  • Destroy your property or threaten to kill your pets?  
  • Intimidate you with guns, knives, or other weapons?  
  • Shove you, slap you, or hit you?  
  • Force you to drop charges?  
  • Threaten to commit suicide?  

If you can identify with one or more of these questions, you may be living in an abusive relationship.  

If you want to get help or to talk to someone who understands and can help, please call

Courage Connection Domestic Violence HOTLINE (217) 384-4390 OR (877) 384-4390.

Our expert staff can help you find the support and resources you need.  

A specialized approach for help

Our professionals offer eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. This evidence-based approach helps people recovering from trauma and other distressing experiences. Learn more about EMDR therapy.