(CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A state leader in addressing the effects of domestic violence sees some home.

The Illinois Coalition against Domestic Violence has published its annual report of domestic violence-related homicides. “There has been a decrease in domestic violence homicides; a 26 percent decrease from last year,” said Carrie Boyd, the organization’s CEO. The number, including domestic violence perpetrator suicides, fell from 137 in 2024 to 101 in 2025.

While Boyd’s group helps connect victims with survival programs, help is available for offenders, too. Boyd said a Partner Abuse Intervention Program is available. “If someone is feeling inclined to commit violence or just feels as if they are losing control of their choices and their life, there is help,” said Boyd. “Not all agencies have this, but they could certainly call our office, and we could link them with programs in their area. It’s judgment-free, and it’s here to help and intervene, and it is truly a prevention strategy.”

A fatality, Boyd says, is rarely the first instance of domestic violence in a relationship. “It could be small acts (at first), such as financial control or manipulation, emotional manipulation. These acts typically occur multiple times before leading to death.”