Rahm Emanuel Addresses Rising Domestic Violence Crisis at WINGS Men’s Alliance Luncheon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rahm Emanuel Addresses Rising Domestic Violence Crisis at WINGS Men’s Alliance Luncheon

Chicago, IL – June 25, 2026 – WINGS hosted the Men’s Alliance Luncheon on Thursday, June 11^th at The Four Seasons Hotel, Chicago, bringing together more than 175 business leaders, philanthropists, and community advocates united in ending domestic violence. This event featured an exclusive fireside chat with Rahm Emanuel, former U.S. Ambassador to Japan and Mayor of Chicago, moderated by Val Warner, ABC 7 Eyewitness News Anchor & Windy City Weekend Co-Host. The event raised more than $135,000 to support WINGS comprehensive domestic violence programs.

Rahm Emanuel, former U.S. Ambassador to Japan and Mayor of Chicago, and Val Warner, ABC 7 Eyewitness News Anchor & Windy City Weekend Co-Host

WINGS Men’s Alliance

Launched in October, the WINGS Men’s Alliance was co-founded by Emanuel and John C. Sciaccotta, Senior Partner of Aronberg Godgehn and Past President of The Chicago Bar Association. The initiative engages men as allies, advocates, and leaders in advancing WINGS mission to end domestic violence. More information about WINGS Men’s Alliance can be found here:

Rahm Emanuel and Val Warner discuss domestic violence.

“The psychology and physicality of (domestic violence survivors) being trapped is real…Having business, religious community, and the rest of society accepting (survivors) is the first step to independence.” said Emanuel.

Emanuel’s commitment to this cause spans decades: in 1994, he worked alongside then-Senator Joe Biden to shepherd the landmark Violence Against Women Act through Congress, helping cut rates of domestic violence in America by more than half. As Mayor of Chicago, he partnered with WINGS in 2016 to open WINGS Metro — the first domestic violence shelter built in Chicago in more than a decade — increasing citywide shelter capacity by 36 percent.

The event comes at a time when domestic violence in Chicago is on the rise. According to a recent report from The Network who oversees the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline, in 2025 the agency received 69,748 contacts. This represents an 181% increase since pre-pandemic 2019. For nearly half the year, 157 days, Chicago domestic violence shelters had no available beds.

John C. Sciaccotta, Senior Partner of Aronberg Godgehn and Past President of The Chicago Bar Association, and Rebecca Darr, WINGS President & CEO.

“Time to Take a Stand”

“When I first joined the WINGS Board of Directors there were two men on the board… For us to now begin a Men’s Alliance…it’s really important. It’s up to us as men to take a stand (against domestic violence)…It’s systemic in our society, and it is wrong…The way we get it to stop is to galvanize as men…In order to do that, we need your help,” said John Sciaccotta, as he encouraged attendees to make a donation to WINGS and join WINGS Men’s Alliance.

Watch the Discussion Here

###

About WINGS Program, Inc.

The mission of WINGS Program, Inc. is to provide housing, integrated services, education, and advocacy to end domestic violence. With more than 40 years of experience, WINGS Program, Inc. is a premier provider of domestic violence solutions.

As the largest domestic violence agency in Illinois, WINGS creates high-quality, customized, domestic violence programs for survivors of all ages, ethnicities, and gender identities. WINGS programs have provided over one million nights of safe housing, life-changing community-based counseling, and award-winning mentoring programs.

Anyone experiencing domestic violence can receive help by calling the 24-hour hotline at 847.221.5680. For more information, visit www.wingsprogram.com.

View Event Pictures Below

More pictures can be found here:

	Jackie Tilton, member of WINGS Board of Directors, Rahm Emanuel, Rebecca Darr, William Auriemma
	Bill Shannon, Ken Gorman, members of WINGS Board of Directors, Frank Condellire
	Adrienne Gentry, Kelly Miller, member of WINGS Board of Directors, Darla Swango, member of WINGS Board of Directors
	John C. Sciaccotta, Senior Partner of Aronberg Godgehn and Past President of The Chicago Bar Association, and his guests.
	Michael Sicher, member of WINGS Board of Directors with his guests.
	Anthony Pasquini, member of WINGS Board of Directors; VersAnnette Blackman, WINGS Graduate; Ericka Swanson, WINGS staff.