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April 8, 2025
Justice for All
Dear residents and community leaders,
April is a critical month in the life of the State’s Attorney’s Office. We have kicked off our annual Blue Kids Program which incorporates dozens of partners and all of Lake County residents in making sure that every community understands how to prevent child abuse. As a father, I see on a daily basis how kids need constant love and support. Every part of our county must come together to end child abuse by holding offenders accountable and by addressing its root causes.
In leading this campaign, the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center continues to be at the heart of our work to protect residents of all ages. Look for events throughout April and throughout the County that will educate the public about how we can all come together to identify and end child abuse.
In April, we also commemorate Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Crime Victims' Rights Week. We are proud to stand with allies such the Zacharias Center and A Safe Place in seeking justice for survivors and providing for support for anyone who is impacted directly or indirectly by crimes. Our Human Trafficking Task Force and our Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board represent new and innovative partnerships that will continue to address systemic causes of sexual violence while also investigating and prosecuting those abusive criminals who do so much individual and societal damage.
Thank you to all of our law enforcement partners and community allies who stand with us as we work urgently and innovatively to prevent and prosecute crime.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week – April 6 to April 12
Every year, our office joins the U.S. Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime in honoring National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) by recognizing the accomplishments of the victims’ rights movement and reflect on how far we have come.
This year’s theme of Kinship is a call to action to recognize that shared humanity should be at the center of supporting all survivors and victims of crime. Our office, in partnership with different organizations have created the following events that will focus on supporting victims and connecting them to the services they need.
Choosing Joy, Protecting Peace – April 9 at 6:00 p.m.
The Gun Violence Prevention Initiative (GVPI) will be hosting an evening of healing where those who are coping with loss can create a vision board to honor their journey, reflect on their hopes, and embrace new possibilities.
Location: North Chicago Library, 2100 Argonne Dr., North Chicago, IL
Trauma & the Body: A Deeper Conversation – April 10, 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Dr. Rebekah Shephard will discuss symptoms of PTSD, including signs of emotional and physical distress, changes in thought and mood, re-experiencing the trauma and signs of avoidance or other negative changes. We will discuss trauma-informed language, environments, and trauma-informed care.
Alexandria Kirchka and MaraBeth Israel Uebe of the Rosalind Franklin University Children's Advocacy Center Medical Clinic will discuss the services of SANEs and forensic examinations following a sexual assault.
Location: Rosalind Franklin University, 3333 N Green Bay Rd., North Chicago, IL
Connecting, Growing, and Healing Together – April 11, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
A webinar where panelist will discuss connecting survivors to community resources, with a focus on the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office’s partnership with 211 to tailor services to victims.
City of Highland Park National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Proclamation – April 14 at 10:30 a.m.
City of Highland Park Mayor together with our Lake County States attorney will hold a public signing of Victim Rights Week Proclamation with service providers agencies and other local leaders in attendance.
Location: Highland Park City Hall, 1707 St Johns Ave., Highland Park, IL
Blue Kids Campaign
Last week, the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center (LCCAC) and the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office (LCSAO) kicked off the Blue Kids Program in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The Blue Kids Program is dedicated to preventing child abuse by educating the community on recognizing the signs, providing valuable resources to local businesses, schools, and parents, and raising awareness about the realities of child abuse.
Each year, the LCCAC and LCSAO recognize outstanding individuals and organizations with special awards for their commitment to protecting the children of Lake County.
FRED FOREMAN AWARD: Visionary Team of the Rosalind Franklin University Children’s Advocacy Center Medical Clinic
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Dr. Brenda R. Affinati, MD, FACP
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Brian Nicholson, RN BS MHA
COMMUNITY SUPPORT AWARD: Anne McAveeney, Fill A Heart 4 Kids
LAW ENFORCEMENT AWARD: Investigations Unit, Mundelein Police Department
COMMUNITY SUPERHERO AWARD: Angelo White
LCCAC Executive Director highlighted the impact Blue Kids has and spoke about the importance of community collaboration. “The Blue Kids Program has created monumental visibility throughout Lake County for over 14 years. Collaboration has been the key to our success,” LCCAC Executive Director Carrie Flanigan said.
For more information on Blue Kids and on how to get involved, please visit: https://friendsoflccac.org/blue-kids/
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April also marks the start of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. On April 1, staff from our office wore teal to honor and stand in solidarity with survivors and victims of sexual violence.
Sexual assault is one of the most underreported crimes. Our office is dedicated to raising awareness to prevent this type of crime by encouraging our community to talk openly about consent, respect, and healthy relationships. Together, we can create a safer Lake County.
Learn more: https://www.nsvrc.org/saam
Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office Announces Lake County’s Leadership in Firearm Restraining Order Filings
 Last month, t (LCSAO) announced that according to 2024 Illinois State Police Data, Lake County has become a statewide leader in Firearm Restraining Orders (FRO) filed per capita.
FROs—part of Illinois’ "red flag" laws—allow law enforcement or family members to ask a court to temporarily remove firearms from individuals at risk of harming themselves or others.
Since 2021, Lake County has seen a more than 2000% increase in FRO filings, thanks to focused efforts by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office (LCSAO) through law enforcement training, community outreach, and public education.
“We’ve seen a 15% drop in suicides by firearm and a 30% drop in homicides by firearm in just the past year,” said State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart. “National research tells us that for every 10–20 FROs issued, at least one life is saved.”
As part of the county’s Gun Violence Prevention Initiative, Firearm Risk Reduction Coordinator Rachel Jacoby works with law enforcement and community partners to identify high-risk situations—such as domestic violence or suicidal ideation—where a FRO could prevent tragedy.
“Bullets move faster than people can heal,” Jacoby said. “A FRO gives residents in crisis the time and space they need to access support and stabilize.”
Since 2023, the LCSAO has hosted biannual FRO trainings for local law enforcement alongside the Illinois State Police and Attorney General’s Office.
For more on how to file a Firearm Restraining Order, contact LCSAOGVPI@lakecountyil.gov. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for 24/7 support.
Upcoming Events
A Safe Place EmpowerRun 5K – May 3rd
Join A Safe Place in taking powerful steps toward ending domestic violence and human trafficking in our community. Whether you're a seasoned runner, casual walker, or just want to show your support, the EmpoweRun 5K is for everyone who believes in creating a safer, more empowered world.
Location: Independence Grove, 16400 W Buckley Rd, Libertyville, IL 60048
Recipe for Justice, North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic 10th Anniversary – May 3rd
Join North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic on May 3, 2025, at Independence Grove in Libertyville, IL, to celebrate 10 years of making access to justice a reality. This special evening will include a reception, seated dinner, recognition of honorees, raffle prizes, entertainment, and more as we come together to support free legal services for those in need.
Learn more about sponsorships, tickets, and ways to get involved https://nslegalaid.org/nslac-10th-anniversary-event/
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