SPRINGFIELD – According to the RAINN, only 310 out of every 1,000 sexual assaults are reported to police, underscoring the need to build trust and improve survivor experiences within the justice system. To address this critical issue, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen is advancing new legislation aimed to improve how survivors of sexual assault are supported during the criminal justice process.
“Survivors deserve to feel safe, respected and fully supported when they are coming forward,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “House Bill 4394 is about making sure survivors know their rights and have some control in a moment where so much has already been taken from them.”
House Bill 4394 would require law enforcement officers to inform survivors of sexual assault or abuse that they may request to be interviewed by an officer of a particular sex or gender.
Additionally, a support person would be allowed to be present during interviews with law enforcement or prosecutors. The requirement would not apply during preliminary investigations at a crime scene, in emergency settings or under urgent circumstances. Should the measure advance, Illinois would join several other states that already provide these options to survivors, reflecting past policies of Edly-Allen’s that aim to have strong trauma-informed practices in law enforcement.
“HB 4394 recognizes that for many individuals, reporting sexual violence comes at an extraordinarily difficult and vulnerable moment,” said Daniel Didech (D-Buffalo Grove). “By ensuring survivors are informed of their options, including the ability to request an officer of a particular sex or gender and to have a support person present, we can make those interactions more supportive and trauma-informed. When survivors feel supported, interviews are more effective and cases are stronger, helping hold offenders accountable.”
House Bill 4394 passed the Senate Criminal Law Committee on Tuesday and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.
