Ness Recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Supports Creation of “Colton’s Task Force”

CARPENTERSVILLE, Ill. – To recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month, state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Crystal Lake, is highlighting the state’s newly created Domestic Violence Task Force, also known as ‘Colton’s Task Force,’ to help protect survivors of abuse.

“We have lost far too many adults and children to domestic violence, so it is clear more must be done to protect survivors and keep offenders off the streets,” said Ness. “When individuals cannot feel safe in their own home, it becomes clear that current practices and systems in place are failing survivors of domestic violence.”

Ness sponsored House Bill 3317 to create the Domestic Violence Task Force, also known as ‘Colton’s Task Force,’ to identify gaps that currently exist in domestic violence laws, build a specialized network for survivors and explore treatment options for survivors and offenders. This task force is named in honor of Colton Miller, an Illinois child who lost his life to domestic violence. Ness’ measure passed with unanimous bipartisan support, was backed by the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence and was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker in August.

Ness has been a continued advocate for survivors of domestic violence, especially given her family history and connection to Turning Point, Inc, the only shelter for victims of domestic violence in the Northern IL region of McHenry County.

“I look forward to seeing the necessary changes discovered through the task force’s work come to fruition to protect survivors of domestic violence and truly make a difference in the life of residents across the state,” continued Ness. “I remain committed to putting an end to domestic violence in Illinois by putting safeguards in place to keep perpetrators behind bars and addressing needless violence in our communities.”

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please call Illinois’ Domestic Violence Help Line at 877-863-6338.