Advocate for Domestic Violence Victims Honored Days After Being Held in Contempt

A Story of Survival luncheon featuring an advocate for victims of domestic violence was held Wednesday just two days after a judge ordered that same advocate to serve 90 days in jail unless she pays more than $75,000 to her ex-husband.

The luncheon, hosted by Remedies Renewing Lives' Domestic Violence Services of Rockford at the Rockford Radisson Hotel, was held in conjunction with Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

Carolyn Cox Mahoney of Bull Valley, an advocate for victims of domestic violence, was the featured speaker, telling her story of surviving domestic violence.

Prior to the luncheon, Attorney General Lisa Madigan presented her "Serve to Protect" initiative, which is reducing the number of unserved orders throughout the state. She said there are currently more than 27,000 active orders of protection, but approximately 17 percent of those orders are unserved and have no legal standing.

In carrying out the initiative, Madigan's office is working in a joint operation with local law enforcement. According to a release by Remedies, this is the latest effort Madigan has undertaken to improve the criminal justice system's response to domestic violence. Her office has held dozens of training sessions regarding domestic violence and has secured funding for prosecution for domestic violence crimes.

"Domestic violence is a devastating crime with serious consequences. I am committed to ensuring that every survivor, such as Carolyn, who takes the courageous step of seeking help from the court receives full protection of the law," said Madigan.

On Monday a judge ordered Mahoney to pay back $75,852.76 to her ex-husband — serving a 20-year sentence for trying to kill her — by
Nov. 7 or serve 90 days in jail.

Wealthy Bull Valley businessman Billy J. Cox, 70, was convicted in November 2007 of attempted murder and aggravated domestic battery. He was convicted of beating Mahoney in the face with a blunt object and then locking her in a garage with the cars running.

According to the divorce settlement, Maloney was supposed to transfer funds from an IRA account to Cox.

The Remedies Renewing Lives will hold their Annual Remedies Ball on Saturday, Nov. 19. The Ball will also feature Carolyn Cox Mahoney as guest speaker.