Domestic Gun Violence Deaths Rise in Illinois

Domestic violence deaths in Illinois surged by over 110% in 2023, with firearms used in nearly 70% of these incidents, prompting advocacy groups to push for stricter gun control laws. The Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports 120 fatalities from domestic violence, a significant increase from 93 the previous year, and advocates are lobbying for 'Katrina's Bill', which aims to remove guns from homes when protection orders are filed. Concurrently, national gun-related deaths decreased overall in 2023, except for among children, where fatalities rose slightly. Despite the decline in total gun deaths, suicides and domestic gun violence remain critical issues, with a projected 130 domestic gun-related deaths expected in Illinois by the end of 2024. Experts cite social and financial stressors as exacerbating factors in these violent situations, emphasizing the connection between control and abuse. This alarming trend has led to increased calls for legislative action and specialized police responses to domestic violence cases.