SPRINGFIELD — To address safety gaps and prioritize continuous protection for victims in Illinois’ justice system, State Senator Robert Peters led a law to secure petitioning eligibility for protective orders during criminal proceedings.
“All victims of violence deserve to feel protected in our state’s justice system, and they especially deserve to feel free from further harassment or abuse, which is exactly what this law ensures,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “It is incredibly rare for victims to seek justice through legal avenues, so we must make sure that when victims come forward, we’re prioritizing their dignity and safety.”
Peters’ law builds on the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, which 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 new law codifies 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.
“This law sends a clear message to abusers that whether in civil or criminal court, Illinois will act swiftly to bring perpetrators to justice, and we will not tolerate violence, abuse and harm against our residents,” Peters added.
House Bill 4741 was signed into law Friday and goes into immediate effect.
