Cook County Violence Against Women Task Force Executive Meeting - April 21, 2026

This was the third executive meeting of the Cook County Violence Against Women Task Force, held on April 21, 2026, starting at 10 a.m. The meeting featured presentations from the Office of the Chief Judge, a national expert on firearm restraining orders, the Chicago Police Department, and an economist from Northwestern University. Discussions centered on protective orders, firearm removal under Karina's Law, victim services, and the economic impact of domestic violence.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Patricia, a 67-year-old survivor, testified that two Hispanic men physically pushed her, and she faced difficulties in court requiring their names and addresses for summons. She expressed frustration that law enforcement seemed to protect the abusers, who provided false information and claimed connections to politicians and law enforcement. She asked the task force to address this systemic barrier.

Discussion Items

• Protective Orders in Cook County (Carmen Navarra Jacone, Chicago Sammy Saving; Renata Steele, Office of the Chief Judge): Carmen explained that a police report is not required to file a protective order. Renata detailed the after-hours pilot program for emergency orders of protection, operational Monday–Friday 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. and Saturday–Sunday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. (excluding court holidays). Since September 2022, 4,345 petitions were filed; 3,357 emergency orders were granted; approximately 2,800 benefited from advocacy services; 1,588 had an associated police report; and 627 were filed under domestic relations cases. Renata noted that remote hearings have reduced drop-off rates, but survivors face multiple barriers (e.g., transportation, financial dependence). Commissioner Sams asked about the drop-off; Renata highlighted education and counseling as key to retention. Commissioner Sams also inquired about reasons for limited weekend hours; Renata said it is due to staffing and judicial capacity, but a working group is proposing adjustments to the new chief judge.
• Firearm Restraining Orders and Karina's Law (Dr. April Zioli, National Expert): Dr. Zioli compared evidentiary standards: preponderance for orders of protection, probable cause for ex parte firearm restraining orders (FRO), and clear and convincing for plenary FRO. Her six-state study found 21% of FRO petitions involve intimate partner violence (IPV), with 61% involving firearm threats and 36% with respondent arrest at the scene. She emphasized that FROs are useful for harm reduction but require careful consideration of survivor agency and potential retaliation. Renata Steele cautioned that FROs only remove weapons and do not prohibit contact, and that notification of the abuser may increase danger. Dr. Zioli agreed and noted that Karina's Law provides a warrant process for firearm removal under orders of protection.
• Chicago Police Department Response to Gender-Based Violence (Deputy Director Mike Milstein, Lieutenant Jason Clark, Assistant Director Mariana Martinez): CPD has a standalone gender-based violence policy and provides training every three years. The victim services program has 26 staff (budgeted for 55) and is expanding citywide across 22 districts. The Domestic Violence Multi-Disciplinary Team pilot in four districts (3rd, 4th, 5th, 14th) uses a victim assessment form to connect survivors to community agencies. Regarding Karina's Law warrants: since May 2025, CPD received 60 warrants, requested extensions on 41, executed 2, returned 1 (due to expiration with holiday confusion), and recovered 30 firearms (mostly through voluntary turn-in). Deputy Director Milstein explained that the consent decree requires independent investigation before warrant execution, causing delays. Commissioner Dungan raised concerns that double-validating victim testimony undermines the expedited intent of the law and may re-traumatize survivors. The panel acknowledged the challenge and expressed need for better upfront support (advocates) to help petitioners provide complete information. Commissioner Garner asked about housing: CPD connects victims to shelters and limited Airbnb stays, but housing remains a major gap. Commissioner Garner suggested a joint city-county housing fund and noted that budgets can be amended; this aligns with discussion of housing as a priority.
• Economic Impact of Domestic Violence (Dr. Adams, Northwestern University): Dr. Adams presented data from Finland showing that survivors' employment and earnings decline from the start of an abusive relationship, not just when a police report is filed. She argued this financial suppression makes leaving harder. Evidence indicates that shelter access and financial support enable women to leave faster. She highlighted that programs like the Target Abuser Call program in Chicago reduce homicides when victims stay engaged. Dr. Adams is conducting evaluations of local programs (e.g., Lifespan, Survivor Fund). She urged sustained funding for housing and victim services.

Key Outcomes

• Slides from all presentations will be distributed to task force members.
• Three working groups have already held initial meetings; further updates will be communicated in the coming weeks.
• The task force will follow up with CPD on hiring progress (budgeted 55 victim specialists; offers made for remaining vacancies) and housing coordination.
• The motion to adjourn was passed unanimously.