Illinois law expands protections for sexual violence survivors in the military

SPRINGFIELD (WGEM) – Gov. JB Pritzker signed a invoice into legislation Thursday creating new protections for survivors of sexual violence within the navy. The Democratic governor and lawmakers on either side of the aisle consider survivors of navy sexual violence deserve stronger safety once they go away the service.

This laws extends the authority of navy safety orders past navy places to offer survivors with full safety no matter the place they’re. Illinois State Police can be answerable for maintaining data of orders of safety issued by a navy tribunal. Sponsors additionally need perpetrators to be held accountable for violent actions.

“For much too lengthy, our service members who’ve survived sexual violence haven’t had the safety they deserve,” Pritzker mentioned. “And much too usually, sexual violence within the navy goes underreported on account of insufficient help and fears of retaliation.”

The governor mentioned Illinois will lead the nation by prioritizing the security and well-being of survivors whereas holding perpetrators accountable. Pritzker additionally mentioned he was grateful the lead sponsors of the legislation, Sen. Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) and Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Aurora), may present survivors of navy sexual violence the compassion, help, and justice they deserve.

“As a U.S. Military veteran, I perceive the significance of defending the members of our armed forces,” Munoz mentioned. “This new legislation will assist battle sexual and home violence inside the navy to guard airmen, marines, and troopers throughout Illinois.”

Members of the Illinois Nationwide Guard will obtain further protections below this legislation. If service members are survivors or victims of sexual violence, the state will shield them each as service members and civilians. Main Normal Wealthy Neely mentioned this legislation will enhance efforts to finish sexual assault and harassment inside the navy and the Illinois Nationwide Guard. Neely mentioned this effort by Pritzker and state lawmakers is a sign of large help for troopers and airmen.

“Everybody has the appropriate to be and really feel protected at work, at dwelling, and of their communities,” mentioned Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “Prioritizing help for our ladies veterans and increasing protections for survivors of sexual violence is how we uplift that mission, and this landmark laws reveals that we stand with them.”

Survivors will even be capable to obtain added protections for employment whereas they recuperate from the sexual violence. This plan was private for Kifowit who served as a Marine. Kifowit famous that she is conscious about the struggles the navy faces in addressing sexual assault and harassment inside its ranks.

“This laws provides each the navy and the state one other instrument to fight the issue,” Kifowit mentioned. “The governor signing this laws into legislation sends a robust message that victims of navy sexual assault can be protected.”

The Pritzker administration labored with navy sexual trauma survivors to make sure they’ve the identical rights and protections as civilian sexual assault survivors. They defined this legislation wouldn’t be attainable with out working with civilian sexual assault prevention and response organizations to create an non-obligatory reporting system outdoors the Nationwide Guard.

The governor’s workplace additionally thanked these organizations for enhancing academic efforts to assist victims and survivors of navy sexual assault pay attention to providers obtainable for them.

“ICASA helps modifications to Illinois legislation that present further protections for survivors of sexual assault serving within the navy and enhanced enforcement of protecting orders issued by navy tribunals,” added Carrie Ward, CEO of the Illinois Coalition Towards Sexual Assault. “ICASA promotes broad entry to all obtainable providers and choices for survivors of their respective communities.”

Senate Invoice 257 took impact instantly.

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