President Preckwinkle Announces $5 Million in Funding for Domestic Violence Intervention and Support Services

Cook County Justice Advisory Council to Host Information Session on the Funding Opportunity

COOK COUNTY, IL — Today, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Cook County Justice Advisory Council (JAC) announced an American Rescue Plan Act funded initiative to provide programming and supportive services to individuals impacted by domestic violence.

"Forms of gender-based violence including domestic violence have silently impacted many members of our community for generations” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “There has been a measurable increase in these patterns of violence during the COVID-19 pandemic and we are responding with a new initiative that will help ensure survivors and those impacted by domestic violence have the resources and support they need to lead safe and healthy lives."

The Domestic Violence Intervention and Support Services initiative is a $5 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funded program, managed by the JAC. The JAC leads Cook County’s corporate and federal funded community safety grantmaking and policy initiatives including the recently awarded Gun Violence Prevention and Reduction Grants. The new domestic violence initiative was designed as a direct response to increased levels of gender-based violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will provide funding to organizations working with survivors and those impacted by domestic violence.

“One of the many tragic ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic has been heightened levels of domestic violence nationwide, with an 8% increase  following the lockdowns of 2020” said Avik Das, Executive Director of the JAC. “Fortunately, our region has a wealth of service providers experienced in helping survivors and those impacted by domestic violence navigate a path to safety and stability. Everyone deserves to live in a safe and peaceful environment, and we look forward to supporting the organizations working to bring about this reality.”

The initiative will fund services in four main categories:

1. Counseling for survivors of domestic violence and for those who have caused harm
2. Legal support including assistance in navigating the court system and preparing and accompanying victims and survivors in court  
3. Advocacy support in connecting victims and survivors to resources through direct services, resource referrals, and staffing crisis hotlines
4. Housing supports for victims and survivors of domestic violence including rapid re-housing, shelters, hotel-based housing, and more

“The pandemic has yet again demonstrated that gender-based violence is not a thing of the past but an everyday occurrence in many of our communities” said Cook County Commissioner, Alma Anaya. “From creating pilot programs that support accessible resources, to striving for 24-7 access to orders of protections, Cook County has taken necessary steps to support survivors. I am hopeful that the creation of the Justice Advisory Council (JAC)’s domestic violence initiative will help further address the root causes of gender-based violence and support survivors in a holistic way. I applaud the organizations that have staunchly advocated for additional resources and funding, and thank the JAC for taking lead on this important endeavor.”

“I am proud to support this initiative which helps assist victims of domestic violence” said Cook County Commissioner John P. Daley. “By providing financial resources to organizations that address domestic violence, Cook County is demonstrating its commitment towards improving the lives and safety of victims of domestic violence and their families.”

A virtual information session covering eligibility requirements and the application process will be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at 1:00pm. Register here.

Organizations that offer eligible services will respond to a formal Request for Qualifications which will be published on the Justice Advisory Council’s Grants website on Monday, October 3, 2022.