Translation Services available at Harbor House

Terrified, confused and unable to speak English, victims of domestic violence frequently believe they are trapped in abusive situations.

But the fact is that translators are ready and available to help.

Harbor House officials want to create an awareness within the community that translation services are available 24 hours a day for victims of domestic violence. It’s a free and confidential service right along with the shelter, counseling, client advocacy, legal advocacy and more. They don’t have to suffer because they don’t speak English.

It’s been 20 years since the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline was established. Headquartered at the Chicago Battered Women’s Network, a team of bilingual and multilingual hotline advocates are always on duty. At their fingertips, they have access to translators with more than 200 different languages and dialects, said Rachel Caidor, director of the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline.

At Harbor House an arrangement can be made to accommodate three-way calls for those seeking help on the 24-hour crisis hotline. The service is a great tool when it comes to the basic paperwork, said one Harbor House official. And later, it helps the case manager and the victim to relate better and talk about any variety of immediate needs for the individual or their children. Someone might need help from education support services, health care agencies, employment opportunities, information about tuition and scholarships, or assistance navigating the legal system.

“It’s really an invaluable service., and we’re grateful for it. And it’s very easy to use,” according to the Harbor House Program director.

The translators are truly accommodating, she said. “We use it for counseling sessions too,” she said.

Translation Services Statistics

The IDV Hotline received about 25,000 calls for translation services in 2017, according to Caidor.

Call or text the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline now at 877-863-6338. “The hotline is confidential, available 24 hours a day, and can help you no matter what language you speak.”

Because violence never takes a day off, Harbor House is open 24/7, 365 days a year.

Please "Like" us on Facebook and keep up-to-date on issues and events.

Follow us on Twitter at: @HarborHouseDV