Moylan Applauds Signing of Measure to Protect Survivors of Sexual Assault

DES PLAINES, Ill. – Survivors of sexual assault wanted for a low-level crime would be able to come forward to police without fear of being arrested under a proposal signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and supported by state Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines.

“If someone is sexually assaulted, we need to make sure that we provide them the care and attention they need,” Moylan said. “It’s more important to move forward with finding and prosecuting their attacker than it is to worry about a low level offense the survivor may have committed in the past. We need to get the attacker off the streets.” 

Under current practice, law enforcement is required to arrest survivors of sexual assault who have an outstanding warrant in their name, regardless of the severity of their offense. Under the Moylan-backed House Bill 92, law enforcement will be directed to focus their efforts on addressing the sexual assault and will issue a notice to the survivor to appear in court for their previous offense instead of arresting them. If the individual is wanted for a violent or forcible felony, such as murder, they could still be arrested.

“HB92 is a crucial step forward for victims reporting sexual assault,” said Carrie Ward, Executive Director of the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault. “Victims should not face the potential of being arrested as a result of reporting rape. This victim-centered legislation will help propel Illinois forward in its efforts to prosecute rapists and secure justice for rape survivors.”

For more information, please contact Moylan’s full-time constituent office at 847-635-6821 or email StateRepMoylan@gmail.com.