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Our Mission:

It is the mission of Safe Passage to promote the right of all to nonviolent and abuse-free relationships through advocacy, intervention and prevention in DeKalb County

About Safe Passage

Safe Passage is DeKalb County’s only Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Crisis Center.  We provide a wide range of services to survivors and their loved ones including shelter, counseling, advocacy, and so much more. All survivor services are completely free, confidential, and available to all, no matter your age, gender, or when the abuse occurred.  The vision at Safe Passage is a world without violence where all are safe. Together, we believe that future is possible.

As a trauma-informed agency, Safe Passage acknowledges that systems of oppression impact survivors of interpersonal violence in many different ways. We strive to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion practices at the center of our daily work to honor the unique journeys of our clients, staff, and community. Join us in our commitment to dismantle these systems of social and racial injustice through continued education and advocacy. Together we have the power to create a violence-free community.

DEI Statement

Safe Passage acknowledges that systems of oppression impact survivors of sexual and domestic violence in many different ways. We honor the unique journeys of our clients, staff, and community by creating a trauma‐informed environment where all are welcome. We strive to include diversity, equity, and inclusion practices at the center of our daily work. Join us in our commitment to continuing to learn about social and racial justice in an ongoing process.

New Beginnings

With the ever-present demands of our families and individuals seeking out help and support, Safe Passage is now at a point where we must build a new beginning. This will allow us to move all programs and shelter under one roof, helping us keep families together and additing much needed space for operational efficiency.

Get Help!

Safe Passage stands by you in every step of your journey to healing and safety. You are not alone!

I Need Help!

Get Involved

It takes all of us working together to build a world without violence; join us!

How Can I Help!

Make a Difference

Safe Passage provides a wide range of services to support survivors and end violence. Our services include crisis intervention, legal and medical advocacy, shelter, counseling, prevention education, and offender intervention. We couldn’t provide these services without the support of our generous community. Partner with us as we work toward a future without abuse.

What's Happening

Stay connected with Safe Passage and support survivors in DeKalb County through events and community gatherings all year long!

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"Choosing to disclose is not a choice made lightly, many if not MOST survivors of sexual abuse do not disclose for YEARS. This can be due to the fear of not being believed, fear of the person who harmed them, and more. They may feel a great deal of shame or blame themselves. They may not even have the language to call what happened to them abuse because they may have been taught that what happened to them was normal, or even expected of them. When a survivor chooses to tell you, they are taking a significant emotional risk. Sexual assault and sexual abuse are gross violations of a personal sense of safety, trust and most importantly their bodily autonomy. So, having that first response to a survivors disclosure be one of compassion and warmth makes the difference between healing and deepening the trauma the survivor has already experienced

If a survivor is met a response that seems skeptical or if it is downright dismissive, that can reinforce that fear and shut down any further communication that survivor might have had with you. Being met with doubt or questions like, “why didn’t you report sooner?” leaves survivors of sexual trauma feeling like they’ve now been revictimized by the very people whom they’ve sought support and assistance from. 

As a former legal advocate, I heard from law enforcement that they “can’t” Start by Believing because it assumes the other party is guilty, but I disagree. I think Starting by Believing means beginning by having empathy for the person in front of them, offering them support and recognizing that false reports are statistically rare.  Abuse strips someone of their power and control. Starting by believing empowers them and reminds them that they are heard, their experience matters." #SBB #startbybelieving #SAAM #nonprofit #dekalb #dekalbcounty #shelter #advocacy #counseling #prevention #education
"When someone discloses abuse, they are taking a huge risk opening up to someone. If that person does not believe them and shuts them down, it becomes so much harder for them to ask someone else for help in the future. Starting by believing allows the individual to feel seen and be more confident in advocating for themselves. Having people hear what I was going through, and giving me total support no matter what I did, let me feel like no matter what happens, I have support and will be okay. They provided me with support while maintaining my autonomy." #startbybelieving #SBB #SAAM #nonprofit #dekalb #dekalbcounty #shelter #advocacy #counseling #prevention #education
Thank you to the students who came to Safe Passage today and volunteered for @huskiesofniu Cares day! 🥰🤩 #nonprofit #dekalb #dekalbcounty #shelter #advocacy #counseling #prevention #education #volunteers #niu #students #niucaresday
Our free Take Back the Night event is happening April 27th starting at 5:30 PM with honored speaker Carrie Ward, CEO of the Illinois Coalition of Sexual Assault. Join us for a march around the block in solidarity of survivors, and a survivor speak out where you're welcome to share your story inside the Egyptian Theatre after the march. 💙#SAAM #TBTN #nonprofit #dekalb #dekalbcounty #shelter #advocacy #counseling #prevention #education
We have a free domestic violence support group starting April 1st. If you're seeking a safe, confidential space to share, heal, and connect with others, this group is for you. Contact Jessica or Lisa at 815-756-5228 to join. 💜 #support #supportgroup #nonprofit #dekalb #dekalbcounty #shelter #advocacy #counseling #prevention #education

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