Manley Supports Legislation Protecting Survivors of Domestic Violence

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – In order to help provide additional resources to survivors of domestic abuse, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, helped pass legislation that would create easy-to-carry cards containing vital information that keeps survivors safe.

“While we have mechanisms in place that help protect survivors of domestic abuse, they are not helpful when people do not have enough information to use them properly,” said Manley. “Orders of protection are important ways to keep abusers away from those they may harm, and this legislation will help ensure that orders of protection are being utilized and enforced.”

Currently, orders of protection are written on paper, which can degrade over time. To ensure these vital documents are legible and easily accessible, Manley co-sponsored House Bill 3485 which creates “Hope” cards. These laminated, wallet-sized cards contain identifying information about the respondent of an order of protection that can be given to co-workers, friends, or others to ensure they have the information they need to recognize the abuser.

During her time in the General Assembly, Manley has worked to provide support to survivors of abuse. This session, she backed legislation that would allow civil no-contact orders to be permanent against those convicted of sex crimes. She also supported legislation creating the Domestic Violence Task Force, which would review current Illinois law and law enforcement practices regarding domestic violence.

“After everything that they have been through, it is critical that we provide as much support and protection to survivors as possible to ensure they can live safely,” said Manley. “While we have made progress in ensuring that Illinois law is as supportive as possible to survivors, there is still more that can be done, and I will continue to work in Springfield to ensure that we are working with survivors to address their needs and keep them safe.”