WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderWinnebago, Ogle counties getting money to combat domestic violence

Winnebago, Ogle counties getting money to combat domestic violence

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- A $1.1 million grant from the federal government is giving 20 select Illinois counties an extra hand when prosecuting domestic violence cases.

Officials say the extra staff will take the pressure off prosecutors in smaller counties overwhelmed by other cases and will encourage victims to report abuse.

The grant manager for the State's Attorney's Appellate Prosecutor says the two full-time special prosecutors will help in the courtroom and teach police to better identify domestic violence.

Counties are: Adams, Champaign, Coles, DeKalb, Effingham, Franklin, Jefferson, LaSalle, Macon, McDonough, McHenry, Morgan, Montgomery, Ogle, Rock Island, Sangamon, St. Clair, Tazewell, Williamson and Winnebago.

The grant program runs until November 2010.