Overview
- The Chicago‑Cook County Violence Against Women Task Force presented a report to the Chicago Public Safety Committee on Thursday that documents broken communication, outdated case databases and wide differences in courthouse practices that hinder survivors.
- The report says protection orders were historically poorly enforced but that service rates have improved since a 2024 CBS Chicago analysis showing only about 25% were served, with the task force reporting the service rate has roughly doubled after expanded efforts.
- Task force members flagged that the Cook County court system is not covered by the Freedom of Information Act, which limits public access to court records and blocks researchers and advocates from tracking outcomes and trends.
- The group recommended concrete fixes including more consistent service of orders and warrants, trained advocates in every courthouse, mandatory courtroom recordings with free transcripts, and stronger city–county data sharing and public dashboards.
- The task force will present its findings next to the Cook County Board Criminal Justice Committee on July 15, and officials said the report could prompt county and city committees to consider legislation and operational changes to improve survivor safety and court accountability.