Cook County Recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Approves $900,000 in New Grant Funding

Today, the Cook County Board of Commissioners recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Commissioner Alma Anaya was the lead sponsor of the resolution, and the Board approved six grant awards from the Justice Advisory Council to fund community-based organizations that provide court-based legal services, legal aid and advocacy for victims and survivors of domestic violence.

"As a government, we have a responsibility to support those impacted by violence of all kinds and invest in resources that promote safety and healing," said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. "These grant awards represent our commitment to expanding access to critical services and ensuring that survivors of domestic violence receive the support they need. Together, we must continue working towards a future where all our residents can live free from fear and violence."

In the resolution acknowledging October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Commissioner Alma Anaya honored victims and survivors of domestic violence, and recognized the hard work of advocates and service providers who fight on behalf of those impacted by domestic violence every day. “There are a number of organizations and advocates providing critical aid to survivors of domestic violence,” said Anaya. "As a County Commissioner, I am committed to ensuring we invest in these organizations and strengthen the resources available to all affected by domestic violence. Funding this work now translates to stronger communities and healthier families in the long run.”

Today’s awards represent an additional $900,000 for court-based services, legal aid and advocacy within Cook County’s Domestic Violence Intervention and Support Services grant initiative, managed by the Justice Advisory Council. Last year, Cook County announced $5 million in awards that will continue to support community-based organizations providing a variety of services to survivors of domestic violence and their families through 2025. The funded services include crisis hotline staffing, counseling, case management, housing and rapid re-housing support and now expanded access to court-based legal services.  The County’s investments aim to ensure that services for victims and survivors of domestic violence remain available and accessible despite a 40% reduction in funding for victims of crime in 2024.

“These additional awards expand the continuum of services Cook County funds to support survivors, wherever they are; be it in navigating our criminal legal system or in our communities, especially in times of crisis,” said Avik Das, Executive Director of the JAC. “We are committed to addressing domestic and intimate partner violence with culturally responsive interventions and services. We must continue to do better and are confident that these investments in the critical area of legal services and advocacy bring us one step closer to making sure everyone is safe in their own home.”

Domestic Violence Awareness Month was first observed in the 1980s and is now recognized nationally and locally. Throughout October, leaders, advocates, survivors and communities come together to educate, raise awareness and advocate for policies, practices and programs that address gender-based violence, including domestic and intimate partner violence.

To learn more about Cook County’s Domestic Violence Intervention and Support Services Initiative and other community safety grant initiatives, visit CookCountyil.gov/JACGrants. More information on Domestic Violence is available from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Network Advocating Against Domestic Violence. The Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline is 877-863-6338.