Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller led the first meeting of the Chicago-Cook County Task Force to Reduce Violence Against Women on Jan. 7. Miller said the task force is an effort to strengthen protections and coordinate solutions for survivors of domestic violence.

The task force brings together elected officials, justice system leaders, county and city departments and community stakeholders to develop comprehensive recommendations aimed at reducing violence against women across Chicago and Cook County.

This initiative was formally established by Miller, who represents Homewood on the Cook County Board, and Chicago’s 23rd Ward Alderman Silvana Tabares through joint city and county resolutions, underscoring a shared commitment to addressing this public safety and public health crisis. 

It is expected that the task force will submit a final report with recommendations by summer. 

“This task force reflects our collective moral responsibility to protect our residents — especially women — prevent further harm, and save lives,” Miller said. “The conversations that began (Jan. 7) will lead to meaningful policy recommendations and real action in the years ahead.” 

Joining Miller at the inaugural session were fellow Cook County commissioners, including Kisha McCaskill who represents Flossmoor on the Cook County Board; Clerk of the Circuit Court Mariyana T. Spyropoulos and Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. 

Representatives from key county offices and agencies were present, including the Office of the President of the Cook County Board, the state’s attorney’s office, public guardian’s office, public defender’s office, health and hospitals system, the sheriff’s office, and the office of the chief judge. Also joining them were a number of Chicago aldermen and City Clerk Anna Valencia.