Family Rescue

Technology-facilitated abuse, also known as TFA,
includes online abuse and harassment. It is the use of
tech to bully, harass, stalk, intimidate, or control. This behavior is often a form of verbal or emotional abuse conducted online or through apps. This type of abuse is increasing and not just for young people — as tech becomes a bigger part of
our lives, those who cause harm use it to further
control and harm their victims.

This survey was conducted July 14th through August 18th, 2025, on The Hotline and LoveIsRespect websites. The survey was anonymous, and sharing demographic info was
optional. In total, 3,430 people completed the survey
and 100% reported at least one form of tech-facilitated abuse.

This report is a summary of the key findings and takeaways of the 2025 survey, drawing
comparisons, where relevant, to the 2022 prior survey.

»Social media became the most common setting where digital abuse took place (was reported 2nd in 2022), followed by texting and messaging platforms.

» Of those who sought help, 71% turned to friends and family, compared to
50% in 2022.

TFA is common and causes real harm both online and in real life. Those experiencing it need validation, support and recourse for how to stop the abuse and heal. This support includes the tech companies themselves providing survivor-centered options like trauma-informed reporting mechanisms for the abuse, having nonconsensual intimate images (NCII) removed swiftly from platforms, and preventing/ stopping tracking through apps.

Learn more at

Link to registration and more information in bio and here: https://forms.gle/n4Z3BxFhE4fLgWpWA
Spots limited! Register today! ⛑️❤️‍🩹

Happy Pride, everyone! 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 This training is open to the community, counselors, social workers, and whoever is interested!

Illinois Certified DV Professionals are eligible to earn two CEU credits if they fully attend this training! Family Rescue is approved as a CEU training site by ICDVP.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/g2R2i_zxT264XFfQffayEA

We’re honored to share that Family Rescue is receiving a grant through United Way of Metro Chicago’s Response Fund.

Across the Chicago region, the housing crisis is putting immense pressure on individuals and families — high rent, eviction risk, and lost or unstable income. This support helps us respond when our neighbors need it most.

Through the Response Fund, United Way of Metro Chicago is investing $250,000 in 20 organizations — including Family Rescue — to immediately address housing and homelessness prevention, as needs continue to rise in the latest 211 Metro Chicago data.

The need is growing: United Way of Metro Chicago’s 24/7 social services helpline saw a 56% increase in housing-related requests from Cook County residents in April 2026 compared to April 2025. Housing support also made up 65% of all needs identified through 2-1-1.

Read the press release at liveunitedchicago.org/about/press-release/response-fund-awards-250000-to-housing-programs.

All Chicago Making Homelessness History
BEDS Plus
Breakthrough Urban Ministries
Brighton Park Neighborhood Council
Catholic Charities Diocese of Joliet
Claretian Associates
Cornerstone Community Development Corporation
DuPage PADS
Family Rescue
Featherfist
HANA Center
Housing Forward
The Inner Voice, Inc.
Journeys the Road Home
Law Center for Better Housing
Lawndale Christian Development Corporation
Legal Aid Chicago
Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division
Spanish Coalition for Housing
The Resurrection Project

Photos courtesy of Housing Forward and Claretian Associates