Cities seek Rockford’s input on domestic, community violence initiatives

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - The City of Rockford’s initiatives to reduce domestic and community violence are gaining attention from communities throughout the state.

Friday, city leaders from Carbondale made their way to the Forest City to learn firsthand about its programs to reduce violence. Last fall, Rockford city leaders presented at an annual conference in Chicago, focusing on their approach to reduce domestic and community violence. Carbondale Mayor Carolin Harvey says it immediately inspired their city.

Cities seek Rockford’s input on domestic, community violence initiatives(WIFR)

Rockford has taken initiatives like the Family Peace Center, Camp Hope, and a human trafficking response team and numbers show the programs are working, leading cities like Carbondale to follow in the forest city’s footsteps.

“The Peace Center for sure, I really was impressed with that, but then just the overall program of having the collaboration between the different organizations,” explained Harvey.

Carbondale faces similar violence issues to Rockford, including gun and youth violence, according to Harvey. She’s pushing for more resources to curb those numbers.

“Our hopes and goals would be number one, to decrease in violence, and number two would be helping the youth to understand that it’s not a cycle they have to be a part of,” said Harvey.

Harvey believes Rockford has a strong solution for reducing domestic and community violence, and Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara says the city’s violence is not unique.

“What’s working here in Rockford can work in Carbondale, it can work in Peoria, it can work all over the state and all over the country, to be honest,” said McNamara.

McNamara adds to those individuals who say Rockford is not doing anything to reduce the violence, to take a look around.

“Take a look at all the programs that are taking place and not only just take a look at them, get involved, get actively engaged,” said McNamara.

Carbondale’s visit included a series of briefings and site visits designed to offer practical, on-the-ground insights into Rockford’s model, according to the city of Rockford.

McNamara also mentioned several other cities have reached out seeking advice, and leaders plan to continue sharing their approach to help create safer communities statewide.