Domestic Violence Makes Up a Quarter of Chicago's Violent Crime as Funding Dwindles

The Complexity of Domestic Violence in Chicago's Crime Statistics

President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, claiming the city has become a "killing field" due to rising crime. However, recent data from the Chicago Police Department indicates that violent crime is actually on the decline, with one of the least violent summers in decades. Despite this, the president has continued to push for federal intervention, emphasizing a reduction in crime rates in other cities like Washington, D.C.

According to a CBS News analysis of Chicago Police Department data, violent crime in 2025 has dropped by double-digit percentage points compared to 2024. Domestic violence, which accounts for 26% of all violent crimes in the city so far this year, has also seen a slight decrease of 5%. However, this figure represents a growing proportion of overall violent crime, indicating a shift in the nature of incidents being reported.

During a recent speech, Trump attempted to downplay domestic violence as a "lesser" crime, suggesting that if it were not counted as a violent offense, crime rates in Washington, D.C., would be even lower. This approach has been criticized by advocates and local officials who argue that domestic violence requires distinct strategies and resources beyond those used for other forms of violent crime.

Funding Cuts and Their Impact

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has highlighted the importance of maintaining funding for public safety and crime prevention programs. He pointed out that the Trump administration has cut over $800 million in national grants, including $158 million for Illinois' violence prevention initiatives. These cuts have raised concerns among local leaders and victim advocates, who say they undermine efforts to support survivors of domestic violence.

The impact of these funding reductions is felt across various organizations, including KAN-WIN, an advocacy group serving victims of gender-based violence in the Chicagoland area. Ji-Hye Kim, the organization’s executive director, stated that they are losing over $400,000 in federal funding, which has supported critical services such as one-on-one advocacy, therapy, and other essential resources for survivors.

The Rise of Domestic Violence in the Data

Domestic violence is not only a significant portion of violent crime in Chicago but also nationwide. A CBS News analysis of FBI victimization data found that 24% of the country's nearly 4 million violent crimes last year were domestic. In Chicago, the percentage is slightly higher at 26%, reflecting a trend that began during the pandemic.

Historically, domestic violence accounted for about 20% of violent crimes in Chicago. However, the share rose during the pandemic, mirroring national trends. While overall homicide rates in Chicago have dropped by approximately 30% this year, the proportion of homicides classified as domestic has increased from 7% to 13%.

Understanding What Counts as Violent Crime

The classification of domestic violence as a violent crime is often debated. In Chicago, offenses such as aggravated assaults, batteries, sexual assaults, and homicides involving domestic relationships are categorized as violent. However, many non-aggravated cases—such as simple domestic batteries—are not considered violent crimes. This distinction can significantly affect how crime statistics are interpreted.

The Chicago Police Department classifies over 13,400 simple domestic batteries annually, along with numerous calls related to domestic disturbances, orders of protection violations, and online threats. These figures highlight the complexity of addressing domestic violence within the broader context of crime statistics.

The Human Toll and Systemic Challenges

CBS News has explored the human toll of domestic violence in Chicago, uncovering systemic challenges in the justice system's response. Reports indicate that too few orders of protection are served, and the impact on children is often overlooked. Additionally, data shows that violence against girlfriends, ex-girlfriends, and men has increased significantly over the past decade.

The Trump administration’s proposed budget cuts for federal agencies combating gender-based violence have further exacerbated concerns. Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office has expressed worries about reduced federal funding, particularly for the Office on Violence Against Women, which faces a 29% budget cut in the 2026 proposal.

The Path Forward

Despite these challenges, advocates remain committed to their work. Kim emphasized that even with reduced funding, grassroots organizations will continue to provide essential services to survivors. “We’ll continue doing our work no matter what,” she said, highlighting the resilience of communities affected by domestic violence.

As the debate over crime policy continues, the need for comprehensive approaches that address the unique challenges of domestic violence remains critical. With funding cuts and shifting political priorities, the fight to protect survivors and reduce crime in cities like Chicago will require sustained effort and support.