Harbor House Establishes Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team
The regional team will focus on analyzing individual cases to trace prior systemic interventions and community outreach. Objectives include assessing how systems respond to individual experiences; identifying barriers to safety, justice, self-determination, and equity; and exploring more effective responses through the formulation of recommendations to address domestic violence.
"We believe that by closely examining these tragic cases, we can identify and address the gaps and barriers in our community, ultimately preventing future incidents of domestic violence," said Jenny Schoenwetter, Executive Director and CEO of Harbor House. "Our goal is to ensure that every individual in our community has access to the safety and support they need. We are so grateful for our system partners in this effort who will help us create safer, stronger communities."
According to 750 ILCS 62/ Domestic Violence Fatality Review Act, fatality review teams are required to review a minimum of two eligible cases per year. Eligible cases include homicides, suicides, familicides, or near-fatalities involving domestic violence.
"We are committed to seeking justice for victims of domestic violence and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable," said Jim Rowe, Kankakee County State's Attorney. "Our role is crucial in analyzing these cases and identifying systemic failures so we can improve our legal responses and support for survivors. Our office wholeheartedly supports the work of the fatality review team.”
Regional teams will draft biennial reports and form recommendations to submit to the Statewide Committee. The Statewide Committee will analyze these recommendations and data to identify trends, strengths, and vulnerabilities, reporting their findings to the Governor and General Assembly on a biennial basis.
"The coroner’s office plays a critical role in enhancing public health and safety by investigating and addressing the root causes of preventable deaths, including domestic violence,” said Eric Cavender, Chief Deputy Coroner and member of the review team. “I am proud to be a member of the DVFRT and to help shed light on this devastating issue that plagues our county. The work of this team is invaluable in promoting awareness and driving positive changes in Kankakee County and beyond.”
For more information about the 21st Judicial District Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team, contact Jayden, Community Advocacy Supervisor and Co-Chair, at jayden@harborhousedv.org.
Members: Jayden Anderson-Baker, Co-Chair, Community Advocacy Supervisor, Harbor House Robin Savage, Co-Chair, Business Director, Agents For Change, Inc: CHOICES Amy Anthony, Secretary, Forensic Interviewer, Child Network Ed Pentuic, Chief Public Defender, Kankakee County Public Defender’s Office Carol Costello, First Assistant State’s Attorney, Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Office Tifani Stewart, Victim’s Division Supervisor, Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Office Bob Gessner, Coroner, Kankakee County Coroner’s Office Eric Cavender, Chief Deputy Coroner, Kankakee County Coroner’s Office Al Swinford, Chief of Police, Manteno Police Department Kaley Baish, Staff Attorney, Prairie State Legal Services Brook Coutant , Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital Nina Johnson, Adult Division Supervisor, Kankakee County Probation Department Tammy Peterson, Director, KanComm Chris Davis, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Riverside HealthCare Bridget Bertrand-Essington, Training and Education Specialist, Clove Alliance