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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
COOK COUNTY RECOGNIZES OCTOBER 2026 AS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH (DVAM)
WHEREAS, Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is observed nationally each October to raise awareness of domestic violence and its impact on individuals, families, and communities, with Congress formally recognizing the observance in 1989; and
WHEREAS, Domestic Violence Awareness Month provides an opportunity to uplift the voices, experiences, and resilience of survivors, educate the public about domestic violence, and strengthen support for individuals and families affected by abuse; and
WHEREAS, domestic violence is a pattern of physical, sexual, psychological, or emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, isolation, or economic coercion used by one person to establish and maintain power and control over another within a dating, familial, or household relationship; and
WHEREAS, intimate partner violence can occur at any stage of a relationship and affects individuals of all ages, racial and ethnic backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, socioeconomic statuses, and religious affiliations; and
WHEREAS, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men experience sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime; and
WHEREAS, women between the ages of 18 and 24 experience particularly high rates of intimate partner violence, underscoring the importance of early intervention, education, and prevention efforts; and
WHEREAS, access to a firearm in an abusive relationship substantially increases the risk of a fatal outcome, making effective firearm-removal protections an essential component of domestic violence prevention and survivor safety; and
WHEREAS, according to National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 15 children in the United States is exposed to intimate partner violence each year, and approximately 90% of these children are eyewitnesses to the violence; and
WHEREAS, an estimated 15.5 million children in the United States live in families in which intimate partner violence has occurred at least once during the past year, highlighting the profound effects of domestic violence on children, families, and future generations; and
WHEREAS, survivors who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or members of other sexual and gender minority communities may encounter additional barriers to accessing safety and support, including discrimination, stigma, and a lack of inclusive shelter and service options; and
WHEREAS, intimate partner violence affects people across sexual orientations, with 43.8% of lesbian women and 61.1% of bisexual women, compared with 35% of heterosexual women, reporting rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner; and
WHEREAS, men also experience intimate partner violence across sexual orientations, with 29% of heterosexual men, 26% of gay men, and 37.3% of bisexual men reporting rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner; and
WHEREAS, intimate partner violence affects women across racial and ethnic groups, with reported lifetime experiences of sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner among 47% of American Indian and Alaska Native women, 45.1% of non-Hispanic Black women, 37.3% of non-Hispanic White women, 34.4% of Hispanic/Latina women, and 18.3% of Asian American and Pacific Islander women; and
WHEREAS, immigrant and noncitizen survivors may face additional barriers to seeking assistance, including concerns about immigration status, uncertainty surrounding changing immigration policies, and fear of law enforcement or immigration enforcement; and
WHEREAS, according to the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV), Illinois experienced a 26% decrease in domestic violence-related deaths in 2025 following a 140% increase in fatalities between 2022 and 2024; however, 72 domestic violence homicide incidents resulting in 101 total deaths in 2025--underscore the continued urgency of preventing domestic violence and protecting lives; and
WHEREAS, Karina’s Law took effect on May 11, 2025, strengthening firearm-removal protections under Illinois law for individuals subject to qualifying orders of protection and establishing additional procedures for the seizure of firearms and firearm parts when statutory requirements are met; named in honor of Karina Gonzalez and her daughter, Daniela Alvarez, who were killed in an act of domestic violence in Chicago in 2023, the law honors their lives by advancing efforts to protect survivors and prevent further loss of life; and
WHEREAS, the passage of Karina’s Law and the advocacy surrounding its enactment have elevated public awareness of domestic violence and strengthened efforts to improve survivor safety, reinforce accountability, and prevent domestic violence-related deaths; and
WHEREAS, in 2025, the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline recorded a record-breaking 69,748 contacts through calls, text messages, and online chats, representing a 17% increase from 2024 and an 18% increase from 2019; and
WHEREAS, contacts to the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline from the City of Chicago increased by 122% in 2025 compared with pre-pandemic levels in 2019, further demonstrating the growing demand for accessible and comprehensive domestic violence services; and
WHEREAS, domestic violence can have profound and lasting effects on the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of survivors, who may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and substance use disorders; and
WHEREAS, research cited by the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence indicates that survivors who work with advocates experience less violence over time, report a higher quality of life and greater social support, and encounter fewer difficulties accessing community resources; and
WHEREAS, sustained investment in domestic violence prevention, crisis intervention, survivor advocacy, emergency shelter, counseling, legal assistance, and related support services is essential to protecting survivors, promoting healing, and preventing future violence throughout Cook County and across the nation; and
WHEREAS, Cook County residents who may be experiencing or witnessing domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling or texting 877-863-6338 (877-TO END DV) for confidential support; and
WHEREAS, October is recognized nationally as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the third Thursday of October is observed as Purple Thursday, when individuals are encouraged to wear purple to demonstrate solidarity with survivors and raise awareness of domestic violence; and
WHEREAS, raising awareness, amplifying survivors’ voices, expanding access to essential services, and strengthening community-wide prevention efforts are critical to addressing domestic violence and building safer and healthier communities; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners hereby commends domestic violence victim advocates, service providers, crisis hotline staff, first responders, and all individuals and organizations dedicated to preventing domestic violence and supporting survivors for their unwavering commitment, compassionate service, and tireless efforts to protect individuals and families; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners reaffirms its commitment to raising awareness of domestic violence and its devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities; promoting access to prevention, intervention, and survivor support services; and advancing collaborative efforts to address and eliminate domestic violence; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners hereby designates October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Cook County and encourages all Cook County residents, community organizations, businesses, and public agencies to speak out against domestic violence, stand in solidarity with survivors, support access to safety and healing, and work collectively toward a future free from domestic violence.
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