* Sun-Times…

Domestic violence continued to surge in Chicago and across Illinois in 2021, while pandemic-based isolation and economic uncertainty made it harder for victims to get help, a new report released Monday states.

A statewide domestic violence hotline received nearly 30,000 calls in 2021, up [9%], and the number of murders and shootings involving domestic relations in Chicago increased nearly two-thirds from 2020, according to the “Measuring Safety: Gender-based Violence in Illinois” by The Network, a Chicago-based advocacy organization. […]

Despite the increase in calls to domestic violence hotlines from Chicago residents, the number of cases reported to police fell by 5% in 2021, to around 151,000 reported incidents. The decline likely doesn’t represent a downturn in abuse, given the surge in domestic-related shootings, Farrell said, but probably results from a sense of futility by victims. Victims interviewed by study authors reported feeling ignored by Chicago Police, and CPD made arrests in only about 5% of domestic violence calls, a decline of 15% from 2020 and more than a third from 2020.

One positive finding of the report was a marked increase in funding for domestic violence services, which included $35 million allotted by Chicago to address gender-based violence and human trafficking, and $71 million in state funding for domestic violence services.

* Report recommendations…

Sustain Increased Financial Investments in Direct Services

The City of Chicago and State of Illinois recently made new investments in services for gender-based violence which will help service providers expand and improve their programs. These increased investments must be sustained and built on moving forward.

Increase Awareness of, and Connection to, Community-Based Resources

Many survivors reported being unaware of the services available. It is vital that awareness of these resources is raised so survivors can access the services they need.

Increase Gender Based Violence Data Collection and Availability

Many factors connected to gender-based violence are still unknown due to limited data collection. The Network encourages those within all systems who interact with survivors to accurately record information from these interactions that can be utilized for research.

Prioritize Gender-Based Violence Services Over Other Systems of Response

As this report highlights, the majority of survivors receive the strongest support from direct service providers. As officials look to address increasing rates of gender-based violence, emphasis must be placed on these service providers which continue to provide a positive impact on survivors.

* Map…