• Emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and other health care organizations, offering to share information about the virus,

• Emails asking for the verification of personal data, including Medicare or Medicaid information, in exchange for receiving economic stimulus funds or other benefits from the government,

• Email phishing scams, text messages from unknown sources which may include hyperlinks to what appear to be automated pandemic updates, or interactive infection maps,

• COVID-19 vaccinations and home test kits that are made online, in stores, through electronic messages or over the phone.

SPRINGFIELD — While people are staying home to keep safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s a population —survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence — who are living in more vulnerable situations. 

State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) applauds Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Human Services for expanding services for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors.

“Domestic violence and sexual assault survivors are living in constant fear,” Morrison said. “Right now, they have nowhere to go and no one to watch out for them. I can’t imagine how scared some of these people are in an already worrisome time.”

IDHS announced Thursday the launch of a $1.2 million plan to increase the capacity of its current statewide network of services for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors during the current COVID-19 outbreak.

The plan expands the domestic violence helpline by creating a one-stop access point for all shelter needs. Survivors can call the helpline at 1-877-863-6338 to be connected to a shelter that can provide assistance.

The agency is also working with the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence to establish an emergency fund to support local providers with assistance needs related to COVID-19.

Additionally, domestic violence prevention and intervention providers will receive a three-month advance of their current grant to support continuations of services and respond to the needs of domestic violence survivors.

IDHS will also provide the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault with a grant advance to enhance the capacity of local rape crisis centers statewide to aid sexual assault survivors. The agency will similarly advance grant funds to Partner Abuse Intervention Program grantees for programs costs related to COVID-19.​

• The Shields Pantry, 906 Muir Avenue, Lake Bluff: Donations may be made by calling 847-234-0802.

• Northfield Township Food Pantry, 2550 Waukegan Road, Suite 100, Glenview: The pantry is asking for financial donations that will be used to provide additional resources and food to its clients. Please visit spatpta.memberhub.store/shopping/items/112947 to donate or mail a check to the above address.

• Wheeling Township Food Pantry, 616 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights: The most needed items at the moment are beverages, jelly, peanut butter, vegetables and white rice. Please call 847-259-7730 to arrange a drop off.

• Moraine Township Food Pantry, 800 Central Avenue, Highland Park: Drop offs are accepted. Please leave groceries on the table outside. The most needed include oatmeal, canned fruit, cereal, mac & cheese and tuna. The pantry is also accepting direct donations to keep it stocked. Donations can be made by visiting www.morainetownship.org/super/pantry.html.

• West Deerfield Township Food Pantry: 601 Deerfield Road, Deerfield: The pantry is in need of non-perishable food items and personal hygiene items. It is closed to the public; however, donors may put their donations in a cart found outside the door.