Ill. Gov. Pritzker Signs Bills Expanding Protection for Survivors of Sexual Assault
Today Governor JB Pritzker signed two bills aimed at making medical and legal care for victims of sexual assault broader and more accessible. HB5441 amends Illinois Criminal Code to specify that someone is unable to give consent when intoxicated, even when the accused assaulter didn't provide the substance that intoxicated them. SB3023 expands where survivors can access treatment and for how long, as well as requiring Federally Qualified Health Centers to provide medical forensic services by trained professionals.
"We cannot have a justice system that re-traumatizes those forced to utilize it," said
"Compassionate policy making is good government and values people and their wellbeing by putting resources and services in place that matter," said Lt. Governor
The expanded definition of consent outlined under HB5441 provides that the accused abuser knew or reasonably should have known the victim was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, among others, advocated for this change to provide a clearer path for prosecution against perpetrators of sexual assault on impaired victims. Many sexual assault cases are thrown out due to negative perceptions around voluntary drinking or drug use, preventing victims from seeking justice against their attacker.
The issue was brought to State Rep.
The amendments to the Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act (SASETA) outlined in SB3023 are the result of recommendations made by the
This new legislation allows survivors to access care under the act for 180 days, doubling the time window and extending access to those unable to receive care in the first few months after an incident. SB3203 guarantees that a victim seeking medical treatment will have access to a trained medical forensic examiner, as well as other medical staff specifically trained to best care for victims of sexual assault. Trauma-informed sexual assault treatment is important to prevent further distress for the victim, which can deter victims from reporting an assault or pursuing or continuing treatment. Training is also key to give providers the skills to collect potential evidence without contamination or destruction of that evidence.
The bill also allows victims to decline to bill their health insurance provider for the cost of emergency care if they themselves are not the primary policy holder. This allows those seeking treatment after abuse from partners or family members who share in their insurance policy to maintain confidentiality and avoid additional danger.
"I am telling my story because my pain is not an individual loss but a systemic failure of a legal system that has time and again failed to protect us,"
"There are still too many in our society who find ways to blame the victim as somehow responsible for sexual assault," State Rep.
"Survivors deserve a justice system that supports them during one of the most difficult times of their lives," said State Senator
"The trauma associated with sexual assault is already profound - the last thing survivors need is the added stress of a lack of privacy and confidentiality," said State Senator
"Survivors of sexual assault deserve a system that that supports them and provides them with justice and support - not works against them," said State Senator
"Survivors of sexual assault need the system to work a lot better for them to seek and receive health care services as they process the trauma they've been through," said State Senator
"As a longtime advocate for survivors, getting to work on these bills is an honor," said State Rep.
"Outdated policies unfortunately failed to protect vulnerable individuals by ensuring accountability and to support survivors with compassion and understanding of the trauma that results from one of the most horrific crimes there is," said Rep.
"Immediate access to medical forensic services is not only key to helping victims of sexual assault and abuse seek justice. Perhaps more importantly, they allow survivors to receive care and access the resources needed to heal physically and emotionally," Attorney General
"The Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault applauds the passage and signing of HB 5441 and SB 3023. These important pieces of legislation affirm essential, common-sense protections and services warranted for survivors of sexual violence. HB 5441 recognizes affirmative consent as the baseline for sexual contact and helps ensure perpetrators do not escape prosecution solely because they did not personally drug a survivor before committing sexual violence. SB 3023 expands survivor access to necessary medical treatment in a timeframe that is consistent with national recommendations and provides a clearer path to navigating the complicated steps often involved with managing insurance claims and related documentation. ICASA fully supports the improved access to legal and medical services resulting from these bills," said
"Updating the definition of intoxication in our criminal code and doubling the amount of time survivors have to seek reimbursable medical attention expands their options for justice and care in the aftermath of sexual assault. We are proud of the survivors who advocated for these changes and celebrate their signing," said
"This bill provides survivors with more options during their difficult times," said
* * *
Original text here: https://www.illinois.gov/news/press-release.25067.html
The 7 Best Medical Alert Systems & Medical Alert Devices: Compare Top-Rated Brands [The Charlotte Observer]
Va. Gov. Youngkin Signs Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Health Care Coverage Options for Virginia's Realtor Community
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News