The Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program (DVCAP)

In the tradition of Jane Addams, our founder, we believe advocacy for policy change is as important as our services. Because of this, our domestic violence staff have become leaders on the local and state level to create laws and change institutions to help and protect victims of domestic violence.

Our Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program (DVCAP) seeks to assist victims of domestic violence by utilizing non-lawyer advocates. The DVCAP is housed in the centralized domestic violence courthouse in Chicago.

Our non-lawyer advocates: Inform victims of their rights under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA), the law that proves domestic violence is a crime, and allows for remedies such as orders of protection and criminal charges. Our advocates also offer support and information, monitor the response of the court system, and improve victims’ access to the court system.

In addition to court advocacy, the DVCAP refers clients to additional services such as shelters, legal assistance, and crime victim compensation. In return, programs that do not provide court advocacy services to domestic violence victims refer victims to the DVCAP.