Cook County State's Attorney

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office has launched a Victim Witness Relocation Program, backed by a $250,000 grant, to help crime victims and witnesses facing threats or retaliation for participating in criminal cases. The program provides short-term and permanent relocation assistance, including hotel stays, food, moving expenses and rent, and expands coverage beyond emergency and homicide cases to all violent misdemeanor and felony cases, including domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault and sexual abuse cases.

Funded in part by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority's Violent Crime Witness Protection Program, the initiative aims to remove housing as a barrier for survivors leaving dangerous situations. Officials plan to hire a dedicated relocation specialist to administer the program and connect participants with community resources. To qualify, victims or witnesses in pending cases must show a documented or credible threat tied to their case involvement. State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke said the effort addresses intimidation fears that often deter victims from cooperating with prosecutions. The grant is funded for one year, with possible renewal for up to two more.