The Chicago-Cook County Violence Against Women Task Force Report Presented to the Board of Commissioners

Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller
Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller

The Chicago-Cook County Violence Against Women Task Force Report Presented to the Board of Commissioners

CHICAGO, IL — The Chicago-Cook County Violence Against Women (CCVAW) Task Force, created and co-chaired by Commissioner Donna Miller, has officially presented its final report and recommendations to the Cook County Criminal Justice Committee. Developed by Chicago 77 and the Public Policy Lab, the report provides a roadmap for strengthening protections for domestic violence survivors and enhancing the Domestic Relations Court’s support for victims and their families. To ensure accountability and sustained progress, Commissioner Donna Miller will introduce a resolution at this Thursday’s Board of Commissioners meeting, requesting regular updates on the implementation of these recommendations.

This report follows the 6-month CCVAW Task Force led by Commissioner Miller and Alderwoman Silvana Tabares with partners from both Cook County and Chicago, as well as outside agencies from Illinois and other states, advocates and survivors. The CCVAW included executive meetings along with working group meetings where different partners gave presentations that highlighted the issues surrounding Domestic Violence and Domestic Relation Court. It builds upon testimony received during a July 2025 Criminal Justice Committee hearing, where survivors, advocates, attorneys, and public officials identified concerns regarding child representation, Guardian ad Litem appointments, court reporting, judicial training, the service of Orders of Protection, and barriers families face while navigating the Domestic Violence and Domestic Relations Court system.

"The report we are releasing today is a blueprint for action. It is designed to help keep women and families safe and to simplify the court process without adding the weight of further trauma. This report is survivor-focused, built upon a foundation of listening to what those with direct experience need and want to see changed” says Commissioner Miller. “For too long, too many people have slipped through the cracks. They haven't been heard; they haven't had a seat at the table. This task force culminating in this report restores that voice. Together we are breaking the silence on domestic violence."

During the hearing, the Criminal Justice Committee received recommendations including but not limited to:                                                                                                                                                           

  • Provide simplified information and resources to demystify the court process and

address the emotional journey.

  • Create a user-friendly and informative filing process that emphasizes both the

education of rights and access to resources.

  • Implement a larger screening process that would recognize the needs of different

people going through the system.

  • Conduct a design review that takes learnings and strategies from individual

courthouses to develop survivor-centered tools, materials, and protocols that can be

scaled across the Cook County court system.

  • Develop peer, survivor-led support initiatives to help with court system navigation.

  • Provide internal clarity about who owns protocols and ensure consistency across

courthouses and the overall court system.


Commissioner Miller emphasized that today's hearing represents another step in an ongoing effort to identify policy improvements and strengthen protections for victims and families navigating the court system. The testimony and recommendations received will help inform future collaboration with Cook County justice agencies and stakeholders as reforms continue to be developed and implemented.

For additional information, please contact Sam Stogsdill at Samuel.Stogsdill@cookcountyil.gov or 773-848-0501. 


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