Cassidy Receives Legacy Award for Gender-Based Violence Advocacy

CHICAGO – State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, was presented the 2025 Legacy Award today from The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence for her expansive legislative work supporting gender-based violence survivors and services.

“Advocating for survivors of gender-based violence means consistently looking at our laws to ensure that no victim is falling through the cracks when seeking necessary and, at times, life- saving care,” said Cassidy. “I’m thankful for this recognition, but ultimately, I’m proud to work alongside groups like The Network to improve how we approach survivor-based care and protect patients recovering from traumatic, life-altering experiences.”

Cassidy has led significant legislation in the Illinois General Assembly to improve survivor care and services. Notably, Cassidy was a sponsor and staunch advocate of Karina’s Law (House Bill 4144) which strengthens protections for domestic violence victims who have orders of protection in place by enabling judges to remove firearms from dangerous offenders.

Additional Cassidy-led legislation includes:

● Improving survivor care and healthcare training: By allowing transfer hospitals to grant service vouchers for survivors’ necessary medical care and follow-up appointments. The law also expands training for nurses helping patient trauma and improving the quality of forensic evidence collection—Upping the likelihood of offender prosecution (Senate Bill 1602).

● Restoring survivors’ rights: By reaffirming that survivors of human trafficking and sexual violence, who many are criminalized for actions directly tied to the violence they endured, are able to receive resentencing even if originally plead guilty—allowing survivors a second chance whose abuse and trauma weren’t fully considered at their original trial (Senate Bill 3285).

● Strengthening standards for survivor protection: By refining how the state’s Prisoner Review Board treats gender-based violence cases—adding mandatory training, requiring victims to be notified once their offender is released, and giving survivors a stronger voice in hearings (Senate Bill 19).

“We’ve taken significant steps forward to reflect better support, better services and less stigma, for survivors of gender-based violence,” said Cassidy. “This award is a testament to the advocates statewide that dedicate their careers and personal lives to ensuring survivors receive timely, safe care to begin healing. Thank you for your continued work to ensure all survivors are safe, seen and supported. ”