Hurley Sponsored Legislation Passes to Protect Survivors of Assault Passes House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Protections for sexual assault survivors will be expanded under legislation sponsored by state Rep. Fran Hurley, D-Chicago, which passed the Illinois House recently.

“Currently, a survivor of sexual assault must ask a court for a no-contact order themselves, unless they are a minor, which could leave survivors feeling uncomfortable and worried about retaliation, ” said Hurley. “After experiencing something as traumatic as this assault, a survivor should be able to receive any protections they need, including a no-contact order, even if they are not wanting to petition for one themselves out of fear.”

Hurley co-sponsored House Bill 1742, which recently passed on the House floor. The measure allows any family or household member of a survivor of assault, as long as they receive consent from the person in need of protection, to petition for a no-contact order on behalf of the survivor. Currently, a family member is only allowed to apply on behalf of the survivor if they are a minor or physically unable to go to court themselves.

“It is imperative we continue to expand protections and support survivors in every way possible,” said Hurley. “I am proud to support this bill and to pass legislation that changes the culture around crimes like these and hold perpetrators accountable for their behavior.”