Behind every number is a real family. Domestic violence statistics in Illinois reveal a serious problem, but they also show that taking action in time saves lives.
In 2025, deaths linked to this type of abuse fell for the first time since 2020. Even so, thousands of people continue to seek shelter, legal guidance, and protection.
For this reason, this article brings together 13 recent figures from official sources and the state homicide report. You will learn what they mean for you and where to find help.
Do you live in Chicago or Cook County? KHK Family Law & Divorce Attorneys can guide you. Keep reading to learn how to protect your finances starting today.
13 Domestic Violence Statistics in Illinois You Should Know
These domestic violence facts in Illinois come from the annual homicide report, the national census of services, and official state documents.
1. 101 Domestic Violence Deaths in 2025
Domestic violence deaths in Illinois in 2025 totaled 101, according to the state coalition’s homicide report. These deaths occurred across 72 separate incidents:
- 83 were homicides.
- 18 were suicides committed by the perpetrators themselves.
The fact that the number of deaths exceeds the number of incidents reveals something serious: more than one person died in several cases. For this reason, children and other family members are also at risk when violence erupts.
2. A 26% Decrease Compared With 2024
The same coalition reported a 26% decline in deaths between 2024 and 2025. This was the first decrease since 2020, and the report identifies the following risk factors:
- Access to firearms.
- Abuse during pregnancy.
- A recent separation.
- Persistent stalking.
- Attempts to strangle the victim.
3. 137 Domestic Violence-Related Homicides in 2024
The Illinois domestic violence homicide report recorded 137 cases in 2024 and 120 in 2023. The state death review committee includes both figures.
The committee and its regional teams reviewed 10 fatal cases in 2025. Their findings contribute to domestic violence statistics in Illinois and guide new prevention measures.
4. Firearms Were Used in 70% of 2024 Homicides
According to the 2024 report, seven out of every ten domestic violence homicides in Illinois involved firearms. A gun turns a threat into a tragedy.
Therefore, when firearms are present in the home, asking a judge to order their removal is a key practical protection measure. Later, you will learn how this law works.
5. Men Accounted for 95% of Perpetrators in 2025 Homicides
Additionally, the 2025 report states that men accounted for 95% of those who committed these homicides. Nevertheless, the law protects every victim equally, regardless of sex.
6. 44 Years Old: The Average Age of Victims
Furthermore, the average age of homicide victims in 2025 was 44, according to the state coalition. This figure challenges the idea that abuse only affects young couples.
If you have been in a relationship for years and share children and property with your partner, leaving requires a legal and financial plan developed with an attorney, not just a decision made in the middle of a crisis.
7. Nearly 70,000 Contacts to the Statewide Hotline in 2025
The Illinois domestic violence hotline received nearly 70,000 calls, text messages, and chats in 2025, according to the state coalition. That represents a 17% increase over the previous year.
The number is 1-877-863-6338. An increase in contacts does not always mean there is more abuse in the state; it also reflects greater awareness of the service, as the organization that operates the hotline explains.
8. 3,775 Victims Served in a Single Day
On September 10, 2025, 54 of Illinois’s 56 programs participated in the national one-day census. That day, they served 3,775 adults and children:
- 2,165 found emergency shelter or temporary housing.
- 1,610 received legal assistance, counseling, transportation, or other services.
These figures from a single day reveal the strain on shelters and support services. In other words, domestic violence statistics in Illinois are not limited to deaths.
9. 777 Contacts to Local Hotlines in 24 Hours
During the same census, local program hotlines received 777 contacts. That amounts to more than 32 calls, chats, or messages every hour throughout the day.
These hotlines provide support, information, safety planning, and connections to local resources. Knowing that this network exists and responds helps many victims take the first step.
10. 1,798 People Received Prevention Education in One Day
That same day, Illinois programs delivered 71 educational sessions to 1,798 people. Learning to recognize the warning signs of abuse is one way to prevent it before it escalates.
This work gains momentum every October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Illinois, which the state House of Representatives recognized through an official resolution in 2024.
11. 1 in 3 Women and 1 in 4 Men
Are you wondering how common domestic violence is in Illinois? A state House resolution cites national CDC data on physical intimate partner violence:
- 1 in 3 women will experience it at some point in their lives.
- 1 in 4 men will experience the same.
- More than 3 million children witness domestic violence in their homes every year.
- Nearly half of women in abusive relationships suffer physical injuries.
These are national figures, but they help put the problem into perspective. Considered alongside domestic violence statistics in Illinois, they confirm that these are not simply isolated cases.
12. 96 Hours to Remove the Perpetrator’s Firearms
The Karina’s Law, which took effect in May 2025, requires police to remove firearms from an alleged perpetrator within 96 hours after a judge issues the order.
The law is named after Karina Gonzalez, who was allegedly murdered by her husband in 2023 despite having an order of protection. Thanks to this reform, victims have the following options:
- Ask the judge to order firearm removal as part of the order of protection.
- Request a search warrant to seize the firearms when probable cause exists.
- Rely on a clear deadline for police action.
Requesting these measures requires preparing the petition and supporting evidence. A domestic violence attorney knows what to request at the hearing to ensure the protection order includes firearm removal.
13. Five Types of Orders of Protection in Cook County Court
In fact, behind domestic violence statistics in Cook County is a judicial division dedicated to these cases. Its main courthouse offers five types of orders.
Additionally, the process in Cook County includes support for people who arrive in the middle of a crisis or feeling afraid and unsure where to begin with their protection request:
- Emergency and civil orders are also available to file online.
- Victim advocates are available in the office where orders are processed.
- Outside regular business hours, the statewide hotline explains how to request an emergency order.
If you already have a divorce case in progress, the order is transferred to the Domestic Relations Division. At that point, KHK Family Law & Divorce Attorneys coordinates both matters.
FAQ
What Is the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline?
The statewide hotline is 1-877-863-6338 and accepts calls, text messages, and chats. If there is an immediate threat or emergency, call 911 first to get help right away.
Additionally, in Cook County, the hotline provides after-hours guidance on requesting an emergency order. The toll-free national hotline, 800-799-7233, is also available as an alternative.
What Should I Do if I Need an Order of Protection in Cook County?
Visit the clerk’s office at the domestic violence courthouse or file your petition online. An attorney will review your evidence and prepare you for the hearing.
Bring messages, photographs, medical or police reports, and specific dates for each incident you experienced. A clear, well-documented petition helps the judge grant the protection you need.
Contact KHK Family Law & Divorce Attorneys
In fact, domestic violence statistics in Illinois are a reminder that asking for help changes lives. Our domestic violence attorneys in Chicago handle orders of protection and child custody cases.
At KHK Family Law & Divorce Attorneys, we listen to you with respect and confidentiality. Schedule a consultation and take the first step toward creating a safe home for your children.
