Advocacy groups are raising concerns about a significant increase in domestic violence cases. According to the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, domestic violence deaths in Illinois rose by 110% last year, with 94 incidents leading to 120 deaths in 2023. This includes 107 homicides and 13 suicides. In comparison, the previous year saw 45 incidents resulting in 57 deaths.
The sharp rise in numbers prompted the coalition to release its Annual Illinois Domestic Violence Homicide Report earlier this summer instead of the usual fall release in October. Vickie Smith, former executive director of the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, emphasized the urgency of sharing this information due to the dramatic increase in deaths. She stressed the importance of raising public awareness about the dangers of domestic violence and the available resources and solutions for those affected.
The report highlights that 68% of the deaths were caused by firearms. One tragic incident involved the fatal shooting of 48-year-old Karina Gonzalez and her 15-year-old daughter, Daniela Alvarez, last July in Little Village. This has renewed efforts to pass “Karina’s Bill” in Springfield. The bill would allow law enforcement to remove guns from accused abusers while serving orders of protection. Baltazar Enriquez, director of the Little Village Community Council, pointed out the need for femicide charges in the U.S., noting that it is the only country without such charges.
The report also shows an increase in the number of counties where domestic violence deaths were reported, rising from 20 counties in 2022 to 27 out of 102 counties in Illinois in 2023. Cook County continues to lead with 37 deaths in 2023, up from 18 in 2022.
Also Read:
- Karina’s Bill: Illinois Activists Demand Action to Prevent Domestic Violence Killings Amid Growing Crisis
- Illinois Domestic Violence Survivors Imprisoned for Crimes Committed by Their Abusers
To support survivors in Cook County, the clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County opened the Domestic Violence Survivor Center at the Markham Courthouse last October. The center provides a safe space for individuals to file for orders of protection and navigate the court system. Executive clerk Carmen Navarro Gercone noted that the center has helped over 1,500 people file orders of protection since its opening. The center offers resources such as a Zoom room for court hearings and staff assistance with completing necessary forms.
