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Resources

For people with Down syndrome, family members, caregivers and professionals.

Sexual Assault and Abuse Resources

April 2025 | Adult Down Syndrome Center - Resource List

National resources

Organizations

RAINN - Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network

  • Largest anti-sexual violence organization in the United States. 

National Sexual Violence Resource Center

  • Provides information and tools to prevent and respond to sexual violence.

Hotlines

National Sexual Assault Hotline

  • Telephone hotline (800-656-4673)

  • Online chat hotline (English and Spanish)

  • WhatsApp chat hotline

National Domestic Violence Hotline

  • Telephone hotline (800-799-7233)

  • Online chat hotline

  • Text hotline

 

Illinois/Chicago resources

Organizations

ICASA - Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault

Illinois Imagines

  • Project to improve services to women with disabilities who have been victims of sexual violence. Project ended in 2018, but toolkits, webinar recordings, and other resources are available.

Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault (NWCASA)

  • Provides free services to sexual assault survivors within the north and northwest suburbs of Cook County and McHenry County. 

  • Services include counseling for survivors and loved ones, medical advocacy at hospital emergency rooms, legal advocacy at local police departments and courthouses, and professional training. 

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago

  • Provide a variety of free and paid services including counseling, health navigation services, case management, and training. 

  • Some services available for Spanish-language speakers. 

Hotlines

Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline

  • Telephone hotline (888-293-2080)

  • Online chat hotline

Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault (NWCASA)

  • Telephone hotline (888-802-8890)

Find More Resources

We offer a variety of resources for people with Down syndrome, their families and caregivers and the professionals who care for and work with them. Search our collection of articles, webinars, videos, and other educational materials.

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Please note: The information on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for a medical, psychiatric, mental health, or behavioral evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment plan by a qualified professional. We recommend you review the educational material with your health providers regarding the specifics of your health care needs.

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