Measuring Safety

Annually, the Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence publishes a report to assess the documented instances of domestic and gender-based violence in Illinois and survivors’ experiences with service providers. This report focuses on what is working well for the most vulnerable, to guide the sector into impactful investments. We offer a blueprint for public and private stakeholders on how to address gaps in services and systems as well as the steps needed to repair harm and prevent further violence.

Drawing on qualitative and quantitative data gathered from survivor interviews, gender-based violence service providers, and public sector agencies, including the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline, local and state police, the Department of Children and Family Services, the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, the Cook County Department of Public Health, and the Chicago Housing Authority, the report offers recommendations on how to best build a safety net for survivors and their loved ones, repairing the gaps in services and systems.

We deeply appreciate the survivors who shared their stories with us, adding considerable depth to the report. To protect their privacy, they remain anonymous.