Conroy Bill Aims to Better Protect Family Members of Victims of Sexual Assault

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A new measure introduced by state Rep. Deb Conroy, D-Villa Park, will make it easier for the families of victims of sexual assault and violent sexual crimes to file no contact orders against the perpetrator.

“Decades ago, our community experienced an unthinkable tragedy that resulted in the sexual assault and murder of a young Elmhurst woman,” Conroy said. “While the perpetrator was thankfully convicted and sentenced, we learned after his release from prison that there were fewer protections available to the victim’s family members. Families of victims of horrific crimes like this go through enough already. They shouldn’t also have to live in fear that the offender can freely contact them.”

House Bill 4790 allows the relatives of sexual assault victims to file a petition for a civil no contact order against the perpetrator, which would essentially ban contact between the perpetrator and the victim’s family members.

“This bill helps give family members the peace of mind they deserve by adding another layer of protection and distance between them and the offender,” Conroy said. “It’s my hope that this will give families another tool to help them recover, grieve, seek justice, and most importantly, begin to rebuild their lives following tragedy.”