What happened to you is not your fault and does not define your worth. Getting help can feel difficult and confusing. But you are not alone, and we hope this guide can reveal a whole community of supporters who are behind you.

This guide was created by KAN-WIN’s youth program, ELEVATE: a group of high school students in the north Chicagoland area fighting against gender-based violence. Youth advocates realized there weren’t any existing resources for high school survivors of sexual assault, and many choices available seemed intimidating and inaccessible.

This guide summarizes resources specific to north Chicagoland, including free options at schools, hospitals, non-profits, and through the criminal legal system. All information in this resource was developed in collaboration with local Title IX coordinators, CAASE (Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation), and NWCASA (Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault).

There is no one correct way to respond to the harm you experienced, but we hope this guide can be a starting point.