Grant Will Help Grow Program For Domestic Violence Victims In Illinois

John Gregory -- Illinois Radio Network

A $100,000 grant will help expand a program for victims of domestic violence in Illinois.

Verizon is giving the money to the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence Virtual Legal Clinic, which provides free online legal consultation for victims of domestic violence.

The service was developed by the office of Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon. “It’s a very simple idea: connecting attorneys who want to volunteer with survivors in an area where they need legal help,” Simon said.  “It’s one of those ‘duh’ moments, where our children would look at us and say ‘Why didn’t you figure this out earlier?’”

The clinic is currently available in 16 counties in the state. Simon hopes these funds will allow the program’s reach to extend into 24 additional counties by next year.

More information about the clinic can be found at http://www.ilcadv.org/.