DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OUTREACH

WELCOME

Domestic Violence Outreach (DVO) works to end intimate partner violence
in communities throughout Illinois and nationally. A 501(c)(3) organization, DVO works
for our mission to raise awareness about domestic violence in all forms,
connect victims with needed services and promote violence prevention through education.

Serving Chicagoland Communities since 2011

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Developed by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the HeaRT curriculum helps young people understand healthy relationships and avoid abusive ones. Since 2020, DVO has provided training and materials for schools to implement this program.

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Domestic violence is prevalent in all communities, regardless of race, religion, age, gender, economic status, or sexual orientation.
DVO raises awareness of this epidemic and helps victims break their silence and
free themselves from abuse.

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DVO connects victims and their
families to needed services within their local community or nationally. Whether they need counseling, shelter, legal or financial
assistance, it is central to our mission to help them find the resources they need.

Upcoming Events

11th Annual Domestic Violence

Survivors' Mass



Presider: Father Charles Dahm, O.P., Founder and Board Chair of Domestic Violence Outreach

October 17, 2026       5:15pm



Holy Name Cathedral

735 N. State Street, Chicago

Join Domestic Violence Outreach as we come together to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month.


This special Mass offers a time of prayer, remembrance, hope, and support for survivors of domestic violence, their loved ones, parish ministry members, and all who are committed to ending domestic violence in our communities.


Mass can also be accessed through the Holy Name Cathedral website at www.holynamecathedral.org.

Light Up for HeaRT: Experience the Brookfield Zoo Lights like a VIP!



December 4, 2026     5:00pm-8:00pm



Savannah Ballroom at the Discovery Center

Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield IL


Join Domestic Violence Outreach for a night of Holiday Wonder at the Brookfield Zoo Lights! Experience the holiday lights and then join us for dinner, heated ballroom, dj, and raffles - all with premier parking included.


All proceeds benefit our HeaRT healthy relationships education program for middle school students.








Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of domestic violence and supporting those affected. Join us in our efforts to educate the community, provide resources, and promote prevention strategies. Together, we can make a difference and foster a safer environment for everyone.

Together, we can prevent

domestic violence before it starts.

Our HeaRT healthy relationships program for middle school students educates on the warning signs of an abusive relationship.

More News & Info

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) & Trends Report: 2013-2023, August 2024 & Trends Report: 2013–2023 provides the most recent surveillance data, as well as 10-year trends and 2-year changes in health behaviors and experiences of high school students in the United States. The report focuses on adolescents’ sexual behavior, substance use, experiences of violence, mental health, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It also includes data on topics, such as social media use and reported experiences of racism in school, that are important for understanding and improving young people’s health and well-being. ( PDF )
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2013–2023.
United States Department of Health and Human Services; 2024.

The Spring 2026 issue of the Domestic Violence Outreach Newsletter highlights the success of the Annual Benefit Gala, the expansion of the HeaRT (Healthy Relationships Toolkit) program, DVO's participation in the Illinois State Board of Education School Wellness Conference, the exciting launch of a new DVO Mini Grant Program to empower parish-based ministries, and a call to get involved by attending the DVO Family Fun Night with Chicago Dogs Baseball Team.( Read more )