URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The Police Chief of Urbana reported that a domestic violence shooting victim is anticipated to recover but emphasized the seriousness of such issues.
Chief Larry Boone’s department is working closely with a non-profit to end the cycle of domestic violence.
“Domestic violence isn’t merely a private affair confined within the home. It’s a broader community health concern that needs our collective attention,” stated Matthew Fletcher, Courage Connection’s Interim Executive Director.
This concern is being jointly addressed with the Urbana Police Department. Chief Boone revealed that they have so far responded to over 800 calls regarding domestic violence and violations of protection orders this year. He stressed the necessity for proactive measures to address the issue.
“Going there, taking a report, and leaving it… that’s not going to end it,” Chief Boone said.
He added that this year, they’ve responded to 23 domestic violence incidents where they have recovered at least 18 illegal guns.
“This year alone, we’ve had two domestic incidents where life was lost,” Chief Boone said.
Tragically, one case involved a seven-year-old, Darnell Wicks, who was shot and killed in a domestic dispute in February. Chief Boone noted that tackling domestic violence has been a top concern for him since he took the position in 2023.
“Initially, we lacked a systematic way to gather data. Now, we have implemented a system to collect and make this information accessible to everyone,” Boone explained.
Boone mentioned that having this data is crucial as it helps them concentrate their efforts on problematic areas, particularly those with frequent domestic incident responses.
“Once you highlight a problem location, that’s an opportunity, for not just police, but for other nonprofits to get involved,” Boone said.
That’s where Courage Connection comes in. They’re a non-profit that help victims of domestic violence.
“We offer many different services. First is our 24-hour emergency hotline which acts as the front door to access all of our other services here,” Fletcher said.
The other services include an emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, community outreach, education, and a court advocacy program.
Chief Boone said when it comes to domestic violence cases, he knows it when he sees it.
“I always think about, when I was a younger kid, seeing my mother go through those things,” Boone said.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but Courage Connection’s message never changes.
“You are not alone. If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, there is help out there for you,” Fletcher shared.
He said that domestic violence numbers have gone down this year, but there is still work to do.
“If we don’t do anything to change that narrative, the narrative will remain the same,” Boone said.
Urbana Police and Courage Connection are hosting a supply drive for victims of domestic violence. Courage Connection is also having “Courage on the Block.” It’s an event, open and free to the community, honoring local survivors of domestic violence. The event is on Oct. 18, from noon to 3 p.m., at The Yard on Broadway. There will be live music, activities, and a raffle with prizes.
