Funding for Treatment of Domestic Violence
During a meeting on August 8, the DCMS Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC) identified next steps in the effort to secure additional funding for treating victims of domestic violence.Committee members, led by Lawrence Schouten, MD, DCMS Board Chair, were instrumental in drafting a resolution adopted as policy in April by the Illinois State Medical Society that directs ISMS to "seek legislative solutions and other remedies to assure available and adequately funded treatment for victims of domestic violence."
Given the state's financial situation, funding has been cut and is significantly lower, in real dollars, than a decade ago. Those reductions are especially problematic, the Committee believes, given the high costs related to ignoring the problem and not providing treatment for victims.
Extrapolating from national data, there are likely around 200,000 victims of domestic violence in DuPage County. Last year Family Shelter Service served 2000 victims, but was forced to turn away 1300 others who needed help.
Working with the Governmental Affairs Committee to craft the post-election action plan are the following leaders:
- Karen Ayala, Executive Director, DuPage County Health Department
- Dennis Brennan, Legislative Manager, DuPage County Health Department
- Judie Caribeaux, Executive Director, Family Shelter Service
- Erin O’Brien, Vice President, State Legislative Affairs, Illinois State Medical Society
- Vickie Smith, Executive Director, Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence