Research & Data

Knowledge is power. Understanding the data, the language, and the health impact of abuse helps us protect ourselves and advocate for change.

This data is for educational purposes only. We are not medical or legal professionals. We do not diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Sources cited where available.

Chicago & Illinois Domestic Violence Homicide Data

Sources: ICADV Annual Reports 2023-2024, ICJIA 2024 DV Fatality Review, Legal Aid Chicago, CBS Chicago, ABC7 Chicago

Illinois Statewide DV Deaths

Year	Deaths	Notes
2024	137	Statewide domestic violence-related homicides per ICADV
2023	120	110% increase from 2022. 68% by firearms. Incidents across 27 counties.
2022	57	Baseline year before sharp increase

Chicago-Specific Data

Year	DV Homicides	Notes
2020	63	75% increase from 2019 due to COVID lockdowns
2019	36	Pre-pandemic baseline
2023	—	Domestic shootings up 19%. 13,969 female violent crime victims (26% rise from 2020). Hotline contacts rose 52% from 10,581 (2019) to 16,123 (2023)

Prior Complaints & System Involvement

While exact '1-5 prior complaints' data per homicide is not published in aggregate by CPD, the following systemic data reveals the pattern:

Illinois averaged 400,000-600,000 DV offense filings annually (2005-2017) per ICJIA
15% of all Illinois homicides are linked to domestic violence
2024-2025 fatality reviews specifically examined cases with prior DV history and system involvement
Illinois DV hotline received record calls for the 5th straight year in 2025, up 26% from 2023 and 140% from 2019
Chicago shelters exceeded capacity for over 130 consecutive days in 2025
Many reviewed homicide cases involved victims who had previously sought Orders of Protection
Studies show an average of 7 attempts to leave before a victim permanently exits an abusive relationship

Domestic Battery by Sex

Female victims of DV

Women represent the majority of domestic violence victims

72-76%

Male victims of DV

Men are significantly underreported due to stigma. Estimated actual rates may be higher.

24-28%

Female perpetrators

Women can be perpetrators of domestic violence including emotional and psychological abuse

20-25%

Male perpetrators

Men represent the majority of DV perpetrators in reported cases

75-80%

Same-sex relationships

DV rates in same-sex relationships are comparable to or higher than heterosexual relationships per CDC NISVS

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National DV Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or call 911 if in immediate danger.