Domestic Violence

Illinois Senate Republicans introduced bills to protect victims of domestic violence by making it a felony to repeatedly violate orders of protection and give law enforcement the ability to detain violators for longer periods of time.

Authorities say a 54-year-old man has died from his self-inflicted gunshot wound during a “domestic situation” in Woodford County that left the man’s girlfriend seriously injured.

Bloomington Police have arrested a 39-year-old man for allegedly stabbing a woman several times.

The biggest increases were in Central Illinois, including Livingston, Logan and Piatt counties. Experts warn hotline contacts don't necessarily translate to an uptick in domestic violence incidents.

A law strengthening protections for domestic violence victims took effect on Mother’s Day. Karina’s Law, signed by Gov. JB Pritzker in February, addresses several risks associated with guns and domestic violence.

Investigators still don't know why Christopher Simmons of Bloomington allegedly shot and killed Chelsea Lusher, Armoni Bennett and Trina Hollings before turning the gun on himself.

“It’s a good day for Illinois,” Gov. JB Pritzker said Monday. “It’s also an emotional day as we remember those we have lost and those who have suffered along the way to get us here.”

Karina’s Bill passed the Illinois House by a vote of 80-33. It would require police to confiscate guns within 96 hours from people whose FOID cards have been revoked due to emergency restraining orders.

In Part 3 of WGLT's series on domestic violence in McLean County, you'll hear from victims about how they navigated the system and advocated for themselves.

When an abuser is charged, there’s an even greater chance that cycles of domestic violence can be broken. Here's how probation and treatment work together in McLean County in hopes of getting abusers the help they need — even if they don't want it at first.