Costa Howard Highlights Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Efforts to Protect Privacy of Survivors

LOMBARD, Ill. – As Domestic Violence Awareness Month begins, state Rep. Terra Costa Howard, D-Glen Ellyn, is highlighting a new law she recently passed to expand the privacy rights of survivors of sexual assault, stalking, and domestic violence.

“I have spent my career in the courtroom as an attorney and a court-appointed guardian ad litem standing up for vulnerable individuals,” said Costa Howard. “Survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence deserve to have their personal information kept confidential.”

Costa Howard passed House Bill 2818, a measure that expands the Address Confidentiality for Victims of Domestic Violence Act to include survivors of crimes such as sexual assault and stalking. Costa Howard’s measure passed with unanimous bipartisan support and was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

“Many survivors never come forward because they fear retaliation by their assailants,” continued Costa Howard. “This new law keeps survivors’ personal information confidential, so they can seek legal recourse without worrying that their attackers will use court information to track them down and show up at their front doors.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, Costa Howard is encouraging you to call the numbers or visit the website below:

Family Shelter Service

Metropolitan Family Services DuPage

630-469-5650

24 hour hotline

 

The National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)

www.domesticshelters.org

Anonymous, confidential help available 24/7