Arab American Family Services (AAFS) is proud to announce its official certification as a rape crisis center by the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA), marking a historic milestone as the first Arab American organization in the state to receive this designation.
This announcement comes during April’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a time dedicated to raising public awareness about sexual violence and educating communities on prevention strategies. The 2025 SAAM theme, “Together We Act, United We Change,” emphasizes the importance of collective action in addressing and preventing sexual abuse, assault, and harassment.
This certification is the result of AAFS’s unwavering commitment to supporting survivors of sexual violence and advocating for culturally competent services in Arab American communities. As a certified rape crisis center, AAFS now offers comprehensive, confidential support services to survivors of sexual assault, including 24/7 crisis intervention, medical and legal advocacy, and trauma-informed counseling.
“ICASA is excited to welcome Arab American Family Services as a certified member of the coalition,” said Carrie Ward, Chief Executive Officer of ICASA. “The center has worked hard to achieve this goal. The addition of AAFS and its many years of experience gaining the trust and respect of the Arab American community makes the Coalition stronger. We look forward to working alongside AAFS to respond to the needs of all survivors of sexual violence.”
The AAFS crisis hotline is available at 708-945-7600.
“This recognition is not just a milestone for AAFS—it’s a step forward for the entire Arab American community,” said Nareman Taha and Itedal Shalabi, Executive Directors of AAFS. “We are honored to join ICASA’s network of agencies and are committed to creating safe, affirming spaces where survivors are heard, believed, and supported.”
