URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Urbana’s Police Chief said a victim in a domestic violence shooting is expected to recover… but he also said domestic violence is not something he takes lightly.

Chief Larry Boone’s department is working closely with a non-profit to end the cycle of domestic violence.

“Domestic violence is not just a private issue that happens inside the household. This is a community health issue that we all need to start addressing,” Courage Connection’s Interim Executive Director, Matthew Fletcher, said.

It’s an issue they’re coming together for with the Urbana Police Department. Chief Boone said that this year-to-date, they have responded to more than 800 domestic and violation of order-of-protection calls. He said solving this takes action.

“Going there, taking a report, and leaving it… that’s not going to end it,” Chief Boone said.

He added that this year, they’ve responded to 23 domestic violence incidents where they have recovered at least 18 illegal guns.

“This year alone, we’ve had two domestic incidents where life was lost,” Chief Boone said.

One of those was a seven-year-old. Darnell Wicks was shot and killed during a domestic altercation in February. Chief Boone said that raising awareness and finding a solution for domestic violence has been a top priority for him since he became chief in 2023.

“We didn’t have a mechanism that I embraced, in terms of collecting data. So, now we collect that data, and we make it readily available for anyone,” Boone said.

Boone added that data is extremely helpful because it really focuses their attention on problem locations. It shows them where they’ve had to repeatedly respond to domestic cases.

“Once you highlight a problem location, that’s an opportunity, for not just police, but for other nonprofits to get involved,” Boone said.

That’s where Courage Connection comes in. They’re a non-profit that help victims of domestic violence.

“We offer many different services. First is our 24-hour emergency hotline which acts as the front door to access all of our other services here,” Fletcher said.

The other services include an emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, community outreach, education, and a court advocacy program.

Chief Boone said when it comes to domestic violence cases, he knows it when he sees it.

“I always think about, when I was a younger kid, seeing my mother go through those things,” Boone said.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but Courage Connection’s message never changes.

“You are not alone. If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, there is help out there for you,” Fletcher shared.

He said that domestic violence numbers have gone down this year, but there is still work to do.

“If we don’t do anything to change that narrative, the narrative will remain the same,” Boone said.

Urbana Police and Courage Connection are hosting a supply drive for victims of domestic violence. Courage Connection is also having “Courage on the Block.” It’s an event, open and free to the community, honoring local survivors of domestic violence. The event is on Oct. 18, from noon to 3 p.m., at The Yard on Broadway. There will be live music, activities, and a raffle with prizes.