Governor Quinn Announces $1 Million Investment for Women's Domestic Violence Shelter

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by Alderman Deborah Graham and local leaders to announce a $1 million capital investment for construction of the WINGS Metro domestic violence shelter in the city of Chicago. The announcement took place at the 29th Ward Women Against Domestic Violence Rally where Alderman Graham brought together elected officials, members of the community and survivors in solidarity against domestic violence. Governor Quinn today also proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month across Illinois, and today's announcement is part of his agenda to ensure the safety of all people in every community across Illinois.

"Domestic violence is a serious crime that is not tolerated in Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "It's important we make sure that every victim of domestic violence has a safe place to find support and to regain their voice. This investment will help create that safe haven in Chicago when families need it most. No woman or child should ever have to feel unsafe in their own home, and here in Illinois we will do whatever it takes to support victims of domestic violence. I commend Alderman Graham for taking a stand and calling on others to put an end to these senseless acts."

Alderman Graham is a survivor of domestic violence and serves as a strong voice for protecting women across Chicago. Over the years she has brought together countless women and local leaders to raise awareness for and put a stop to domestic abuse.

"As a survivor of domestic violence, this issue that affects too many of our mothers, daughters, sisters and friends is very close to my heart," Alderman Graham said. "While my struggle to recovery was not easy, sharing my story brought me a long way to where I am now. Today I lend my voice with women of our great city to put an end to the pain. I thank Governor Quinn for ensuring Illinois doesn't leave our victims behind and for helping create a safe place where those who need it can regain their strength and move forward."

The shelter will provide a safe and secure environment for women and children fleeing abuse. The state's $1 million investment will be used to rehabilitate an old police department building in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood and construct attached shelter space, activity centers with a state-of-the-art kitchen, computer lab, dining, laundry and multi-purpose areas and office space. The emergency housing will have space for 40 people and increase the number of shelter beds in Chicago by 36 percent. The total cost of construction is $6 million.

The city of Chicago donated the site and has committed an additional $1.8 million for construction and project operations over two years.

According to Rebecca Darr, CEO of WINGS, the existing police department building has special meaning for the project because a female officer who worked in the building was killed by her abuser 14 years ago. To honor this fallen officer, there will be the Brenda Sexton Memorial Garden in the yard next to the facility.

"We are honored to be a part of building a home for women and children to escape from violence," Darr said. "The support from Governor Quinn sends a message to Brenda's family and to all women enduring abuse that their lives matter."

The WINGS Metro shelter is a collaborative effort between WINGS, Metropolitan Family Services, a provider of community services for over 150 years, and Greater Southwest Development Corporation, a leading housing developer. WINGS will provide on-site services including safe housing, case management, safety planning, counseling, referrals and youth development programs.

Metropolitan Family Services also offers legal advocacy, counseling, support groups, early childhood education, childcare and after-school programs for children under 15. Greater Southwest Development Corporation will offer housing acquisition services, employment training and financial and housing counseling to WINGS Metro residents at an offsite location.

Governor Quinn is committed to protecting people from domestic violence, and is a steadfast advocate for victims and survivors in Illinois. The Governor has worked hard to protect funding for domestic violence prevention programs and has signed a number of laws to protect victims of domestic violence. This summer he signed "Diane's Law," which allows courts to order risk assessment and electronic surveillance of those charged with domestic abuse. The law is named in honor of Diane Kephart, who was murdered by an ex-boyfriend.

In 2013, Governor Quinn signed legislation to address domestic violence and teen dating violence in Illinois including: House Bill 958, which increases the penalties for domestic violence by classifying domestic violence as a felony if the defendant has a prior domestic violence conviction; House Bill 3379, which requires school boards to adopt a policy on teen dating violence; and House Bill 3300, which protects domestic violence victims who are covered by their abusers' insurance policies. The law allows insurance companies to communicate with the victims in ways that do not divulge personal information or current addresses to their abusers.

The Governor also signed legislation in 2012 to allow prosecutors to use prior domestic violence offenses as evidence in first- and second-degree murder cases involving domestic violence. He has supported initiatives and laws that prevent discrimination against individuals taking out orders of protection and providing time off from work for victims to help them address issues relating to domestic violence.