Chicago starts new domestic violence task force

Several agencies in Chicago are banding together to address domestic violence in the city.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez announced the inter-governmental task force on Tuesday. It also will include efforts from Chicago police and the Department of Family and Support Services.

The task force will focus on getting training for Chicago police and developing better police response to high-risk domestic violence incidents. It also will look at how to increase services for victims.

Experts say Chicago police respond to about 200,000 domestic calls a year. Of those calls, between 30 and 40 are domestic violence homicides.

Last month the city broke ground on its first new domestic violence shelter in more than a decade.