Mussman Emphasizes Need for Domestic Violence Task Force

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – State Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, is supporting the creation of a bipartisan task force aimed at shedding light on the systemic causes of domestic violence and determining the effectiveness of current domestic violence laws.

“Too often, domestic violence is branded as just a women’s issue, but it is an issue that impacts people across all walks of life, regardless of age, race, or gender.” Mussman said. “Creating this task force would allow us to take a more thoughtful approach to recognizing the underlying issues that lead to domestic violence and reevaluate how survivors are supported and protected in Illinois.”

Mussman is co-sponsoring House Bill 4262 to create the Domestic Violence Task Force in Illinois, which would be charged with conducting a comprehensive review of the process, operation and enforcement of current domestic violence laws across the state. The task force would be required to submit a report to the governor and General Assembly with the findings of their review.

According to data from the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner and one in three women as well as one in seven men have experienced some form of physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime.

“It is vital that we approach this topic with sensitivity for the survivors, and taking a more holistic approach to addressing domestic violence will provide more concrete, long-term solutions,” Mussman said. “I am grateful to be able to come together with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work for survivors everywhere.”