CAWC is very fortunate to have a strong supporter in Illinois Senator Richard Durbin. Senator Durbin was first elected as senator in 1996. He has been the senate democratic whip since 2005. This is the second highest position in the Democratic leadership in the U.S. Senate.
“Together, we can make significant strides toward ending sexual assault and domestic abuse, and I will continue working to provide Illinois with the critical resources needed to stop these terrible crimes.”
Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL)
In 2016, Senator Durbin announced that the U.S. Department of Justice has awarded Illinois agencies, organizations, and universities grants totaling $9,339,711 to prevent, combat, and investigate sexual assault and violence against women.
Durbin noted, “This investment not only improves our law enforcement’s ability to prevent, investigate, and prosecute sexual assault and domestic violence, it ensures they have the tools and training to support survivors during the most difficult moments. “Community organizations will also see their ability to provide valuable and potentially lifesaving assistance improved by this funding. Together, we can make significant strides toward ending sexual assault and domestic abuse, and I will continue working to
provide Illinois with the critical resources needed to stop these terrible crimes.”
In the past year, Senator Durbin has twice visited CAWC. During his last meeting, he toured Greenhouse Shelter and met with CAWC leadership, board members, and a domestic violence survivor. The survivor shared her experiences at the shelter and noted that she now saw a brighter future thanks to the support and guidance of shelter staff.