Pappas Backs Task Force to Crack Down on Domestic Violence, Create New Solutions to Unsafe Living Situations

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Diane Pappas, D-Itasca, is cracking down on domestic violence and helping create new solutions to protect people living in unsafe environments with her support of legislation creating a Domestic Violence Task Force.

“Domestic violence is a threat that countless members of our community have to face every day, and we are working to put a stop to it,” Pappas said. “Nobody should be forced to endure a partner who abuses them with threats, physical intimidation, violence or even emotional or mental abuse. We have to have comprehensive solutions to help victims escape their situations and thrive as survivors once they do so.”

Pappas is backing House Bill 4262, which creates the Domestic Violence Task Force to review current law enforcement practices regarding domestic violence and find new approaches to ending violence. This legislation comes in the wake of a recent rise of 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 physical violence in a relationship, and that number is expected to increase.

“Keeping everyone in our community safe will always be my first priority, and letting abusers and other criminals continue their offenses unchecked only encourages more abuse,” Pappas said. “I’m confident this task force will help give our law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on domestic violence, create new solutions to check the growth of unsafe living conditions and send a message to abusers that if they continue their behavior, they will face the consequences of our criminal justice system.”