SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new state law will help first responders and law enforcement better identify high-risk domestic violence situations before they become fatal. Sponsors hope it will improve safety for survivors both during and after an incident occurs.

"In Illinois, we estimate 42% of women and 26% of men will face violence from an intimate partner at some time in their life," said Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest). 

The Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence reported a 14% increase in domestic violence-related homicides since 2024 and an increase of 140% since 2022. 

A new law requires police to use a lethality assessment if there are allegations of assault or battery that did not result in an arrest. Illinois State Police and the Illinois Department of Human Services will work with stakeholders to develop a toolkit and model policies for police departments.

"We also recommend the department engage rank-and-file police officers who are on the frontlines and are drawn from law enforcement agencies of varying sizes, legal aid organizations, the organization that runs the Illinois DV hotline and the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority," said Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago).

Police will only be allowed to administer the lethality assessment if they receive explicit consent from survivors. Officers must document when survivors decline an assessment in their police report and refer them to a domestic violence center.

"We can't prevent every situation from escalating, unfortunately," Williams said. "We can do our best to provide law enforcement important tools to hopefully address this very concerning and troubling trend."

The idea gained unanimous support in both chambers this spring. This law will take effect Jan. 1. 

"Domestic violence incidents are some of the most volatile situations police officers encounter, and identifying high-risk cases early is critical to protecting victims," said Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly. "The Illinois State Police is committed to working with our partners to implement this protocol and help prevent these tragedies before they occur." 

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