Domestic Violence Deaths In Illinois Increase Dramatically

The Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) has released its annual Domestic Violence Homicide Report for 2023, noting a dramatic increase in the number of deaths resulting from domestic violence in the state. ICADV reports 120 people died in 94 separate incidents, an increase of 121% over 2022. Of the 120 deaths in 2023, 56% of victims were female. Victims range in age from under one year to 86 years.

Firearms were the means of death in 68% of the incidents indicating that removal of firearms is a life-saving effort. 13 deaths were individuals who killed and then turned the guns on themselves taking their own life.

On June 21, 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States issued a ruling in the United States V Rahimi case, upholding a decades old law that prohibits respondents subject to protection orders from possessing firearms. This prohibition is an extremely important tool in efforts to save lives where domestic violence is occurring. The ruling in the Rahimi case illustrates that reducing access to guns where domestic violence is occurring is universally recognized as homicide prevention.

Sarah Conlon, Interim President and CEO of ICADV said, “A homicide is the most devastating and tragic end to a domestic violence situation, causing harm not only to the victims themselves, but threatening the safety and security of entire communities. Domestic violence homicides are preventable. Through education and awareness, we can come together to be the voice of change here in Illinois, ensuring a strong safety net is in place for survivors and their children when they seek help.”

ICADV will continue to advocate for the means to reduce preventable homicides. We will continue to support efforts here in Illinois to pass legislation which would give the courts express permission to issue warrants for the removal of firearms when protection orders are issued. ICADV applauds the ruling in the Rahimi case and encourages others to join us in working to eliminate domestic violence in Illinois communities.

The full 2023 Domestic Violence Homicide Report containing more detail about the relationships of perpetrators and victims, counties with highest rates, and means of homicide/suicide can be viewed on our website: https://ilcadv.coalitionmanager.org/resourcemanager/resourcefile/details/2833.

The Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) is the federally designated statewide coalition of domestic violence services providers for the State of Illinois. With over 50 member organizations providing direct service to families throughout Illinois, together we work towards ending domestic violence in our state. Learn more about ICADV and how you can join us in the work to end domestic violence by visiting our website: http://www.ilcadv.org.

If you or someone you know is a survivor of domestic violence, help is available. Please visit http://www.ilcadv.org/get-help or call the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline at 877-863-6338.