About the Family Violence Prevention Council

Our beginnings

In November 1995, the judiciary of the Thirteenth Judical Circuit sponsored two one-day symposia on family violence. Approximately 500 concerned citizens attended, including attorneys, court personnel, educators, faith leaders, health care professionals, law enforcement personnel, and social service professionals.

The Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Family Violence Prevention Council was convened in March, 1996, and is now made up of many of those persons who attended the symposia, along with many others who expressed an interest in developing a coordinated response to interpersonal violence.

Council Chair and Co-Chairs

The Council is chaired by Thirteenth Judical Circuit Chief Judge James A. Lanuti and co-chaired by Circuit Judge Cynthia Raccuglia and Associate Judge James Brusatte.

Council Staff

The Council is staffed by two persons: Nancy Churchill, Council Coordinator, a position funded by the Illinois Family VIolence Coordinating Council; and Susan Bursztynsky, Protocol Manager, funded through other State and Federal grants. Nancy and Susan can be contacted at 100 W. Lafayette St. Ottawa, IL 61350; by telephone (815.431.0630), by fax (815.431.0637); or by email (13fvpc@mchsi.com).

Structure

The Council is made up of nearly 500 community members dedicated to ending interpersonal violence, whose work is accomplished through several committees whose activities are overseen by the Executive Committee: a committee for each of our three Counties (Bureau, Grundy and LaSalle), and other full Council committees: Data, Safe Havens, Elder Abuse Training, Safe to Live. The three County Committees also have subcommittees that focus on specific topics. Click here for more information on the Council's committees.

Speakers Bureau

Since 1996, members of the Council have developed presentations, trainings, and model protocols (written policies) covering such topics as child abuse, youth dating violence, partner abuse, elder abuse, bullying and suicide prevention. Our Speakers Bureau, made up of experts in these areas, is a valuable resource for local groups and media outlets. Please contact us to book your own speaker.