CHICAGO – With domestic violence hotlines experiencing an increase in calls during the Stay at Home order, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) urged survivors to be aware of the options still available to them.

“In the midst of this crisis, we can’t let anybody slip through the cracks,” Villanueva said. “Survivors need safety during the Stay at Home order and our community can step up and be there for them.”

If you or anyone you know may experience domestic violence during the Stay at Home order, the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) recommends creating a safety plan that considers travel restrictions and limited shelter options. More information is available in English and Spanish at bit.ly/NDVHcorona.

A WGN report showed that the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline (1-877-863-6338) is experiencing a nearly 40 percent increase in calls and its shelters are at capacity due to public health precautions. The phone line will remain a free, 24-hour service during the COVID-19 crisis.

Senator Villanueva encourages all survivors to reach out to either hotline. While her office space is closed, staff are working remotely and can be reached at 708-552-5225.

CHICAGO – After Gov. Pritzker issued a statewide Stay at Home order, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) is sharing resources with community members on how to care for their mental health while at home.

“This is a stressful time for working people who face job insecurity and are struggling to keep up with rent and put food on the table,” Villanueva said. “Even for people who are fortunate enough to work from home, mental health care is more important now than ever.”

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) released the following statement on Illinois’ policy to no longer refer undocumented immigrants who have served their sentences within the Illinois prison system to federal immigration custody:

“I am the daughter of immigrants and hearing my colleagues and members of law enforcement repeat the President’s racist rhetoric breaks my heart.

“Our criminal justice system does not exist to serve ICE. Law enforcement should not aid and abet the deportation machine. Communities of color, specifically immigrant communities, need to know that they can trust law enforcement regardless of citizenship status.

SPRINGFIELD – After listening to Governor JB Pritzker’s Budget Address, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) praised the governor’s proposals for large increases to early childhood education and need-based financial aid for college students.

“We need to make Illinois a state that treats early childhood development with the importance it deserves. That’s why I strongly support the governor’s proposal to increase the early childhood education funding by $50 million,” Villanueva said.