Jennifer Hiselman

ICJIA researchers created an InfoNet system infographic for State Fiscal Year 2023 that summarizes client data, data and technical assistance requests, system upgrades, and research using InfoNet data.

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) convened the Victim Services Planning Committee (VSPC) in early 2022 to recommend victim service priority funding areas. ICJIA researchers utilized various research methods, such as secondary data analysis, a survey, and focus groups, to better understand Illinois victim service needs and gaps and presented findings to the VSPC. Both VSPC and ICJIA Board members voted to approve 12 research-informed victim service priority funding areas. Broadly, the priority areas aspire to increase victim service awareness and access; address victims’ needs; support victim-centered and -informed services; and promote service implementation, outcomes, and sustainability. These priorities will inform future grantmaking to address victim service needs and gaps in Illinois for the next several years.

Domestic violence is a national public health issue that both federal and state funding work to address. Researchers analyzed data collected via InfoNet, a statewide case management and data reporting system used by domestic violence agencies across Illinois, and other state administrative data, to identify trends among those who have been harmed by domestic violence. Researchers found shifts in the number and characteristics of clients served, including an increase in clients who are veterans, older adults, and those who shared child custody with the offender. However, further research is needed to fully understand the unique needs of these client groups and how funding shifts may impact services in Illinois.

InfoNet is a web-based, centralized statewide case management system for domestic and sexual violence centers maintained by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA). This article demonstrates InfoNet’s strengths and utility and how its data contribute knowledge about victimization and victim services. Also highlighted are the system’s future directions for growth, new functionalities, and broader applications to address victimization in Illinois.

Many victims of intimate partner violence find themselves at increased risk for homelessness as they make efforts to escape violence. The lack of stable, safe, and affordable housing is associated with negative outcomes for these victims. This article describes the relationship between housing instability and victim health and well-being, issues to consider when addressing housing stability for this population, and recommendations for policy and practice.

InfoNet is a web-based data collection and reporting system used by rape crisis centers across Illinois. Developed by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority in collaboration with the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA) and other agencies, InfoNet is used by ICASA’s network of 33 rape crisis centers. The system tracks victim characteristics and services provided using unique identifiers and offers data to inform local and statewide policy and planning.