Gun prevention advocates and Illinois lawmakers gathered this week to make a plea for the passing of Karina’s Bill.
On Wednesday, family members of domestic violence victims were joined by state representatives and advocates in Chicago. Sharing emotional stories and urging the Illinois General Assembly to pass House Bill 1404, also known as Karina’s Bill, to help protect survivors and victims of domestic violence in Illinois.
Karina’s Bill, originally introduced in 2023 was named in honor of Karina Gonzalez, a Chicago woman who was killed along with her daughter, Daniela Gonzalez, in July by her husband, Jose Alvarez. Several weeks before they were killed, Karina had gone to the police to report her husband’s abusive behavior and was granted an order of protection. However, he had access to a gun and still lived in the home.
“We cannot have other families endure this horrific act of violence this should not happen to anyone, we need to strengthen our domestic violence laws now,” said Monica Alvarez, a cousin of Karina Gonzalez. “Unfortunately, the lack of urgency and the limitations is costing lives like those of Karina and Daniela.”