SPRINGFIELD — To address safety gaps and prioritize continuous protection for victims in Illinois’ justice system, State Senator Robert Peters advanced a measure to secure petitioning eligibility for protective orders during criminal proceedings.
“It’s imperative we recognize how rare it is for victims to seek protection from their abuser in court, so we must ensure that when victims do pursue help through an order of protection, whether in civil or criminal court, our justice system prioritizes their safety,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This is about supporting the well-being of victims, minimizing their trauma and safeguarding them from future abuse or harassment.”
Peters’ measure would build on the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, which currently prohibits orders of protection from being denied solely based on the incarceration status of either the petitioner or the respondent, ensuring the logistical timing of incarceration does not outweigh victims’ access to legal protections.
The proposal would codify IDVA procedure in Illinois criminal law to account for orders of protection issued during criminal proceedings – reducing victim trauma and streamlining justice by directly tying civil protection policies to criminal cases.
“To put a stop to domestic violence, we must show abusers we will not only believe but also protect victims, and this bill would send a clear message to perpetrators that we will work swiftly to bring them to justice,” added Peters.
House Bill 4741 passed the Senate Thursday and heads to the governor for further consideration.
