Manley Continues Support for Survivors, Backs Initiative to Create Domestic Violence Task Force

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To facilitate discussions on ways to better support and protect survivors of domestic violence, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is sponsoring a new initiative to create the Domestic Violence Task Force.

“There are so many obstacles facing victims of domestic violence, so it is critical that survivors are given support and protection from their abuser,” said Manley. “More must be done to protect vulnerable women and children from domestic violence. This task force will ensure that lawmakers are continually discussing and implementing new policies to better support survivors and put an end to the cycle of abuse.”

Manley is backing House Bill 4262, a measure which would create the Domestic Violence Task Force to review current Illinois law and law enforcement practices regarding domestic violence. Manley’s legislation, which is backed by a wide coalition of bipartisan lawmakers, comes in the wake of a recent rise in incidents of domestic violence against women from an intimate partner. A 2018 report from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence showed that over a third of women have experienced intimate partner violence and without intervention, that number is expected to increase.

“While serving as state Representative, I have continually worked to raise awareness about domestic violence in Illinois and pass laws to protect survivors, including legislation to help survivors come forward without fear of retaliation by defending their privacy,” continued Manley. “Protecting women, children and others facing domestic violence is very important to me, and I look forward to continuing my work to address this issue in Illinois by supporting survivors and holding abusers responsible.”

For more information, please contact Manley’s constituent service office at 815-725-2741 or RepManley@gmail.com.