State Rep. Walker Applauds Signing of Legislation Protecting Sexual Assault Survivors

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Recognizing the difficulties often associated with seeking medical attention after a sexual assault, state Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, is applauding Gov. J.B. Pritzker for recently signing into law legislation increasing protections for assault survivors seeking care or rape kits regardless if they have an outstanding warrant.

“It should be an essential right that survivors of sexual assault have access to medical care and rape kits if they choose it,” Walker said. “I applaud Governor Pritzker for recently signing House Bill 92, giving greater protections to survivors who may have outstanding warrants. When survivors wish to contact law enforcement to report their assault, it’s important they get the care they need first.”

House Bill 92 provides that when law enforcement has contact with a survivor because they are seeking emergency medical treatment for a sexual assault or receiving a rape kit test, law enforcement are required to seek an extension on a warrant for the arrest of the survivor if one is outstanding. The legislation does not apply to those with outstanding arrest warrants for a violent crime, felony charge or the violation of parole.

“I’m proud to stand by organizations like the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault and area groups like the YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago and the Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault who also supported and worked for this bill,” Walker said. “These groups do such important work fighting against the crisis of sexual violence which impacts all of our communities. I pledged to fight for our community’s safety and that’s a promise I intend to keep.”