Rockford Police Grant Helping Domestic Violence Victims

ROCKFORD, IL — A federal grant to the Rockford Police Department is in turn helping domestic violence victims. WIFR reported that thanks to the grant every officer is given a cell phone when they start their shift, which are then made available to people when officers respond to domestic violence cases. According to WIFR, the phones help put victims in touch with domestic violence services and shelters, such as Remedies.

WIFR reported Remedies Vice President of Operations, Karen Gill says timing is everything in these situations, adding that Remedies has gotten a big increase in calls since the program was put in place last November, with 160 more calls made to their center in June through the cells phones, including more male victims and different languages than before.

The full program lasts only two years, but according to Rockford Police Lieutenant Kurt Whisenand, the cell phones will likely be used long after that because the sooner victims seek resources, the better off they are.

For help, or to locate a domestic shelter near you, visit domesticshelters.org or call police.

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